Pune Municipal Corporation’s Toilet Cleaning Initiative Faces Setback Due to Neglected Maintenance
Pune, 27th August 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s endeavor to enhance the sanitation of public toilets through mechanized cleaning has hit a snag. Following the initiation of five tenders for five designated zones, aimed at utilizing machines for toilet maintenance across Pune city, concerns have emerged regarding the subpar execution of the task. This lapse in efficient cleaning prompted a direct admonishment from Additional Commissioner Dr Kunal Khemnar.
With an objective to improve the upkeep of public toilets and restroom facilities, the Municipal Corporation had expanded the network of such facilities in the Shah area. However, the insufficient number of municipal employees hindered the maintenance of cleanliness standards.
Consequently, the decision was made to employ machines for the cleaning of public toilets, restrooms, and community-level conveniences. To this end, a total of 34 jetting machines from the Municipal Corporation and an additional 24 machines from contracted sources are being utilized.
Contractual obligations stipulated twice-daily cleaning by the contractors.
However, the consistent failure of the contractors to adhere to this mandate resulted in inadequate cleaning practices. With growing complaints from citizens about the unsatisfactory state of these facilities, Additional Commissioner Dr. Kunal Khemnar conducted a meeting with the contractors, zonal deputy commissioners, and solid waste department officials. During this meeting, a direct warning was issued to the contractors, urging them to take immediate remedial action.
The affected zones include:
- Zone 1: Yerawada-Dhole Patil Road-Nagar Road
- Zone 2: Kothrud, Shivajinagar, Aundh
- Zone 3: Warje, Sinhagad Road, Dhankawadi
- Zone 4: Wanwadi-Hadapsar-Kondhwa
- Zone 5: Bibvewadi-Bhavani Peth-Kasba, Vishrambagh
Containing a total of 1288 sanitation units, these zones have been marred by complaints of inadequate maintenance and cleanliness.
Dr. Kunal Khemnar, the Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, expressed his dissatisfaction with the contractors’ performance, stating, “Five zone-wise tenders were issued for toilet cleanliness. However, due to citizens’ complaints and a direct inspection by 15 municipal engineers, significant discrepancies were identified in the contractors’ work. We held a meeting to address this issue and have issued a warning for immediate improvement; otherwise, the tenders will be cancelled.”
Acknowledging the contractors’ plea that the stipulated eight-hour time frame for work completion was insufficient, officials have clarified that this concern could have been raised during the tender submission process. The contractors were instructed to rectify their practices, ensuring full cleaning instead of partial, and cautioned that failure to do so might lead to tender cancellation.
