Rohtak MC switches model, slashes tender cost for public toilet upkeep

The Rohtak Municipal Corporation (MC) is set to re-float a tender for the upkeep, repair, and renovation of 113 public toilets across the city for a one-year period. The decision comes after a proposal in this regard was passed in a recently held general body meeting of the corporation.

Earlier, the civic body had floated a similar tender in March, with an estimated cost of Rs 548.93 lakh. However, the tender was later cancelled, reportedly due to technical issues. According to a senior official, only a single application was received, prompting the cancellation.

Interestingly, the new tender will carry a significantly lower estimated cost — nearly one-third of the original amount. The estimated cost of this tender has been fixed as Rs 182.16 lakh for a year.

This drastic reduction has raised eyebrows. However, municipal officials have defended the change, attributing the lower cost to a revised operational model and the exclusion of certain tasks from the scope of the contract. At present, the municipal corporation is handling the cleaning and minor repair work of public toilets on its own.

This includes toilets located in markets, parks, and other public spaces falling under wards 1-22. According to official data, Rohtak has 99 public toilets, nine office toilets, and five mobile toilets. The revised model proposed for the new tender seeks to streamline operations and cut down costs without compromising on hygiene or functionality.

Rohtak Municipal Corporation Commissioner Anand Sharma said the number of sanitary workers to be deployed would be reduced compared to the previous plan. Additionally, repair work had been excluded from the contractor’s responsibilities, and would instead be handled directly by the municipal corporation, he added.

“We are also involving resident welfare associations (RWAs) and market associations to assist in the maintenance of these toilets. They will provide on-ground supervision and ensure better upkeep in their respective areas,” Sharma added.

In the new model, a block of some toilets will have a designated sanitary worker per shift, who will be directly accountable for cleanliness.

The Commissioner said, by taking repair work in-house and collaborating with local associations, the civic body had been able to reduce costs substantially while aiming for improved service delivery.

“The new tender will be floated shortly. Our goal is not just cost-efficiency but also community involvement and better supervision,” Sharma said.