Marina’s new toilets shut at night due to infrastructure issues

Modern toilets constructed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) in public spaces such as Marina beach remain closed, especially during the nights, due to infrastructural deficiencies.

As the number of persons visiting Marina beach has increased after the announcement of the Blue Flag certification project, the footfall at GCC toilets in and around the beach have increased. Workers said the toilets had to be closed as they were unable to pump water, owing to disruption of power supply to the toilets.

An unpleasant odour emanated from the toilet block recently constructed by the GCC near the swimming pool, with sewage overflowing onto the beach. Women who visited the new toilet block said the facility remained locked in the evening.

As many toilets were closed by 8.30 p.m., there is a demand among the public to ensure these remained open for visitors till 10 p.m.

Following complaints from residents, the Corporation has started sensitising the workers to proper maintenance of the toilets. Corporation officials said they were exploring the feasibility of keeping the toilets open 24X7 in crowded areas. In some locations, GCC is planning to keep the toilets open until 11 p.m., based on suggestions from visitors and inputs from the police.

The Corporation started giving a makeover to public toilets in 2022, after film personalities campaigned on social media about them, emphasising the importance of sanitation for women in public spaces. Residents have been requested to complain to the civic authorities about problems pertaining to public toilets.

QR codes provided

QR codes have been provided for complaining about poor maintenance of the toilets.

The Corporation will take action against those responsible for poor maintenance of toilets. Residents could call the GCC helpline 1913 to report civic issues pertaining to toilets, an official said.