Bengaluru: In good news for citizens looking for a safe place to answer nature’s call, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management (BSWML) has started building and operating modular public toilets. The free-to-use toilets — called Eeze — are designed to be more hygienic, accessible and easier to maintain than conventional public conveniences.Each unit includes toilets for transgender persons and persons with disabilities, besides ramps.The project aims to improve public sanitation through prefabricated toilets with modern amenities. BSWML plans to build 35 toilets across Bengaluru. Construction has been completed at 34 locations, with work recently beginning at the final site in Basavanagudi.The first toilet at Majestic was inaugurated on Monday. Three toilets in Byatarayanapura and four in Yeshwanthpur are awaiting inauguration. Each unit costs around Rs 30 lakh.Bhimesh H, deputy general manager, BSWML, told TOI the project was launched one-and-a-half years ago to create a standardised model for public toilets. Eeze stands for ‘easy to use, easy to access, easy to clean and easy to spot’.Each 15ftx40ft toilet block is built using precast modular segments, similar to those used for Indira Canteens, allowing faster on-site assembly with minimal civil work. The facilities have sensor-based automatic flush systems and perforated metal sheets for natural ventilation to reduce odour.Some of the toilets are awaiting power and other utility connections, Bhimesh said.BSWML has awarded a five-year maintenance contract for each toilet. “The maintenance cost is around Rs 50,000 per month per toilet, including labour, electricity and water charges,” he said.There are for urinals and two commodes for men, three commodes for women and one each for transgender people and the physically challenged.
