PONDA: Social worker and Goa CAN Convenor Roland Martins has warned Sulab International against overcharging people for using their public convenience facilities.
At a meeting held in the office Ponda deputy collector, Martins urged the government authorities to take action against Sulab International for overcharging people and failure to maintain cleanliness at public toilets run by them.
The meeting was attended by Ponda Mamlatdar Abeer Hede, BDO Prasidh Naik, municipal staff, officers of Sulab International and public health authorities.
At the meeting, Martins told the officers of Sulab International that the facilities run by them at Ponda, Panjim, Mapusa and other KTC bus stands are plagued by lack of cleanliness and maintenance.
He informed them that he has received so many complaints from students and women that they are being overcharged for using toilet facilities at KTC and other bus stands.
He said that Rs 5-10 are charged as against Rs 2 for using toilets. Martins threatened to file a complaint with vigilance and the collector for overcharging.
The Sulab authorities however denied overcharging, but agreed that rates on boards are not displayed properly and assured to go as per law and maintain cleanliness.
Martins suggested that a woman attendant be appointed at public toilets and that a complaint book be maintained at toilets in KTC bus stands.
He also said that calendars are displayed on boards displaying the rates for using toilets, defeating the purpose. He suggested that the rate boards be displayed prominently for toilet users.
At the meeting, PMC officials agreed that health inspectors should check the public toilets once in two months to ensure cleanliness.
Ponds mamalatdar suggested that surprise inspections be conducted to ensure that cleanliness is maintained at all times at the public toilets in Ponda.
