KMC to build 61 smart restrooms

KATHMANDU, Jan 15: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has planned to build 61 smart toilets across the city.

Lack of enough public toilets has always been a big problem for the commuters in the metropolis. Currently, there are altogether 57 public toilets, and most of them are either in a dilapidated state or are not maintained well.

According to a report prepared by the National Federation of Disabled, Nepal (NFDN), none of the 14 public toilets in the Kathmandu Valley that were chosen for a survey were found accessible to physically-challenged persons. While 11 public toilets were found completely inaccessible, three were found partially accessible.

KMC officials told Republica that the smart public toilets will be disabled-friendly and will be more hygienic and well maintained as KMC will be hiring employees for proper maintenance to keep the restrooms hygienic and clean.

KMC Spokesperson Ishwor Man Dangol said a meeting scheduled for Tuesday will take further decisions on this issue. “After doing proper research, the installation of public toilets will start with the investment of KMC,” he said.

Commuters are mostly attracted to use restrooms located at different malls as they are comparatively cleaner and women-friendly, and are also available free-of-cost. “Public toilets in Kathmandu charge Rs 5 for urinating and Rs 10 for defecation. However, the charge for using the smart restrooms has not been decided yet,” KMC officials told Republica.