Soon, 40 public toilets in Chandigarh to undergo renovation

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 15

After several failed attempts, Chandigarh Smart City Limited will be moving ahead with its plans for renovating 40 public toilets.

These public conveniences have been in a bad state. The toilets in Sectors 17, 22, 35 and 43 will undergo a facelift. They will be made as per the Centre’s ODF++ status with a focus on building toilets with sludge and septage management. Facilities such as shoe polish, sanitary napkins and condom machines will also be provided at the renovated toilets.

Five firms have expressed interest in three tenders floated for renovating these. Their bids are presently being evaluated. They will be accorded approval before July 31.

“After approval, nine months time will be given to them to carry out the project,” said NP Sharma, General Manager, Smart City.

The project got delayed as there has been a poor response from the bidders. Smart City Limited had floated tenders several times, but in a vain. Now, in two tenders, two companies each have filed their bids, while in the third tender, only one firm has shown interest.

A contractor, who had undertaken several government projects in city, said: “Conditions in the tender are often rigid that discourages bidders. And most of them stay away from participating in the tendering process. The authorities should inculcate practical conditions so that more firms participate and there is a healthy competition. It will be beneficial for projects.”

Meanwhile, the MC has failed to renovate other public toilets. There are about 300 more toilets with the MC. Seepage, broken tiles and taps and foul smell is a common scene in most of these.