29 Apr 2024  |   06:14am IST

Non-functional loos at South Goa Collectorate strain govt staff, election preparations

Women posted on polling duty are forced to navigate from one floor to the other, in search of clean toilets and then spend their lunch breaks waiting in line to use them; often forced to use toilets still under repair, evident by the stench that permeates the Collectorate

Team Herald

MARGAO: The state of the non-functional toilet blocks at the South Goa District Collectorate building has reached an alarming level, causing inconvenience and discomfort to government servants, especially the large number of female staff deployed for election duty ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The situation is particularly challenging for female staff members, who should have access to clean and functional toilet facilities but are often seen trudging from one floor to the next in search of a working toilet to relieve themselves.

With the elections approaching and the ground floor designated for the counting process, the urgency of addressing this issue has become even more evident. However, the situation has worsened as government servants and visitors are compelled to use toilets still under repair, leading to a pervasive stench surrounding the premises, especially on the ground floor, where the counting of votes is scheduled to take place.

Speaking to O Heraldo, numerous government servants expressed their frustration over the hardships endured over the past few months. Queues often form outside the few operational toilet blocks during lunch breaks, exacerbating the situation, particularly on the ground floor, where only one ladies’ toilet is operational, while the men’s room is still under repair.

This poor condition of toilet facilities extends throughout the Collectorate building, with each floor facing its own set of challenges. On the fourth floor, only one ladies’ toilet is functional, while the rest are undergoing maintenance. Similar conditions prevail on the third, second, and first floors, forcing staff to traverse the entire building in search of usable, accessible facilities.

A staff member at the Collectorate office expressed disappointment over the lack of urgency in addressing the ongoing repairs, emphasising the prolonged inconvenience faced by all. “The slow pace of work not only prolongs our discomfort but also reflects a disregard for the well-being of staff and visitors,” said the staffer.

In response to the pressing issue, Additional Collector Srinet Kothwale said that repair works are still underway. Arrangements have been made on each floor to ensure that staff have access to necessary facilities, with one or two toilet blocks currently operational on every floor to address immediate needs.