Modern public toilets in LMC redefine standards for sanitation in Nepal

KATHMANDU, May 11: Public toilets often conjure up images of dirty, smelly, and unsanitary places in Nepal. However, a newly inaugurated public toilet in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, has changed this perception.

The public toilet in Lalitpur, fully equipped with a shower room, that began operating on Thursday, has transformed the traditional image of public restrooms in the country.

Chiribabu Maharjan, mayor of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC), speaking at the inauguration ceremony said, "These modern public toilets are so clean that you could sit nearby and have tea.” He highlighted the cleanliness and modern amenities of the new toilet.

The LMC built this toilet in collaboration with AEROSAN Sustainable Sanitation. The toilet is designed to be accessible and inclusive, suitable for use by people with disabilities, women, children, and senior citizens. The facility provides sanitary pads and has a separate area for breastfeeding. AEROSAN has also constructed modern public toilets in Mangal Bazar, Patandhoka, and Jawalakhel in LMC.

Despite a small fee for use, customers are pleased with the facilities. Raghu Tamang, a regular user, said that it's the cleanest public toilet he's seen in his 15 years in the Kathmandu Valley. He was amazed about the technologies used in modern public toilets but praised the cleanliness and suggested more such toilets in other locations.

Santosh Khadka, chairman of LMC- 4, Jawlakhel, said that public toilets are essential in densely populated areas like his ward, which also locates a central zoo. He added, “The new modern toilet will be beneficial during festivals and other events.”

Soni Shrestha, chairperson of AEROSAN, mentioned the importance of proper maintenance and encouraged users to help keep the toilets clean and orderly. She added that green energy would be produced from the fecal sludge collected from the toilet.

Sudarshan Neupane, National Director of WaterAid, said that WaterAid prioritizes drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. He expressed the importance of cooperation for sustainable operation of public toilets.

Mayor Maharjan shared his plans to build additional modern toilets in Lagankhel and other locations. The LMC is constructing public toilets in seven wards, following the ‘one ward, one public toilet’ policy. The construction work in wards 2, 8, 9, 24, and 10 is nearing completion, while work in wards 25 and 27 is still in progress.