POKHARA, Nov 3: Although all 11 districts of Gandaki Province have already been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), the provincial government has announced to spend millions on public toilets.

Among the 11 districts, Kaski was the first in both the country and the province to be declared as ODF zone. The province has decided to pour millions of rupees from government treasury to construct public toilets in all municipalities.

A work plan for the project has already been prepared.

The public toilets, which were constructed earlier, are now in dire state. Instead of repairing and maintaining the existing ones, the province has decided to construct new toilets all over. A cabinet meeting held on Thursday approved the work plan to this effect.

Besides this, the province has also formulated policy for the construction of sanitary landfill site in coordination with the local governments. Creating a clean, green and beautiful province is the aim of the lawmakers and representatives.

Public toilets will be constructed in 26 municipalities and 1 Metropolis of Gandaki under the programs of current fiscal year.Rs 1 million per municipalityThe provincial government has sanctioned Rs 1 million for each municipality for the public toilet project. However, this is only 60% of the total fund needed, as the remaining 40% will have to be borne by the concerned municipality/metropolis. Therefore, the total cost of toilet will be Rs 1.6 million.

In total, the province will be spending Rs 26 million on the municipalities. However, by adding the investment of the municipalities, the project will cost Rs 33 million.

Smart toilet for Pokhara, will cost Rs 8.3 million

The provincial government has approved a work plan to construct 'smart toilet' in Pokhara Metropolitan City. The ministry will be providing Rs 5 million and the metropolis will arrange another Rs 3.3 million for the toilet.Caption: The Gandaki Province Parliament.

 
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