Islamabad
Public peeing near bus stations, roadsides and in markets especially near the food kiosks is a glaring example of the social attitude that fails to change despite provision of facilities.
According to Capital Development Authority (CDA), there are total 93 public toilets in the city with 77 in workable condition. The facility is available in all sectors mainly in the commercial areas and CDA claims that renovation work has been completed in majority of the washrooms with only a few still under maintenance.
Despite this network of public toilets, it is not difficult to find people peeing in public all around the city. Oblivious of the embarrassment they are causing for people around the area especially women and children, they continue with this unacceptable attitude.
"Disgusting is a small word for such irresponsible attitude. They are not even ashamed of what they are doing in public and the filth they are contributing to the otherwise clean environment. If men need awareness campaign to stay away from this act, they should be ashamed of themselves. It is a matter of common sense," said Naeema Khalid, a teacher by profession.
She said that it is hard to stand at public places due to stink and filth. "Just yesterday, while we were enjoying dinner in open at one of the most famous barbeque places of Islamabad, we saw the owner peeing at the side of sitting area. We left the place immediately," she said.
Naeema requested the authorities to fine such people. "Only a huge fine can correct this social attitude," she said. She suggested applying innovative ideas to control this attitude around the country.
"The situation is worse in other cities and a campaign is required to make people realise the disgust of this habit," she said.
Under one of its projects, WaterAid distributed whistles among the children of Thaar. They were asked to blow the whistle near a person who commits open defecation. The idea helped to control the
issue in the villages. Similarly, only writing the message of prohibiting public peeing in Arabic helped Bangladeshi government in changing the public attitude.
The general believe is that public toilets in Islamabad are fewer in number and are in bad shape in addition to being filthy and stinky. People also stay away from this facility because of the service fee. The CDA officials did not agree to perception.
Talking to ‘The News’, CDA spokesperson Ramazan Sajid said that CDA has improved the condition of public toilets and the facility is available in all sectors at main public places. According to him, the CDA outsourced 77 sites for up-gradation and renovation for two years.
"The up-gradation included replacement of floor and walls tiles, change of all accessories items, internal and external paint, roof treatment, replacement of doors and windows and all electrical works," he said.
According to sanitation department, eight toilets among the total are facing sewerage issues, two public toilets are closed due to security reasons including the facilities located near Indian embassy and CDA Library.
One facility located in Fruit and Vegetable Market, I-11/4 is occupied by the police. All the other facilities in total five lots are operational with 70 to 100 per cent work up-gradation completed. Ramazan Sajid said that all depends on how the general public uses these facilities.
"These improvements will last long if people start using the public property with care," he said.
