Berhampur: The roadside urinals set up by Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) as a part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are lying dysfunctional questioning the hype around improved sanitation system of the town.
The urinals built in the recent past, emanate stench and even the water connection system needs repair and renovation. In the absence of water from any of the taps , the urinals don’t serve purpose.
Locks are seen hanging on few urinals and incomplete drainage work of new ones add to the woes of public.
"The BeMC took the credit of building the urinals but is not serious about its maintenance. While locks are hanging in some of the urinals, others are not suitable for use. Water is also not availabe in the urinals and the BeMC is also not taking any step for repair of the damaged ones," said a local corporator Dandapani Nayak.
Thirty six Modular Urinals have been set up at 11 places under the BeMC with a cost of Rs 1 crore approximately. But maintenance of the urinals remains a far cry.
Meanwhile, the BeMC said it will instruct the sanitation workers to expedite the cleanliness process in coming days. Public awareness is needed for better sanitation system, said Assistant Health Officer of BeMC, Dr Ranjit Nayak.
"The people are not aware and using the urinal as an all purpose toilet. They are consuming alcohol and throwing bottles inside it in night. We request the public to use the urinal properly and are trying to build a clean Berhampur in coming days," he added.
"Our sanitation workers are carrying out the cleanliness work. Jamadar of a particular area has been given the charge to supervise the maintenance and water supply. As it is a new initiative, hope that it will regularise in future," said BeMC Deputy Commissioner Sourendra Routray.