Staff Correspondent

The two Dhaka city mayors should establish adequate public toilets in each ward in a bid to avert environmental pollution and health risk, said activists at a discussion yesterday.

They said the capital has only 62 public toilets run by two city corporations.

The people -- including day labourers, street children and those who have to stay outdoor for work -- suffer from various health problems as they often have to hold excreta for a long time due to limited facility of toilets.

People’s Health Movement and PHM Bangladesh jointly organised the discussion titled “Public toilet crisis in the city, health risks and way forward” at an auditorium of Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital.

Addressing the programme, architect and environment activist Iqbal Habib said open urination by workers of various informal sectors -- including rickshaw-pullers -- causes environmental pollution, putting city dwellers at health risk.

Before setting up public toilets, he recommended, the authorities should design a proper map after discussing the issue with different stakeholders.

He demanded that public sanitation issue be included in the agenda of ward-based standing committees under the city corporations.

Doctors for Health and Environment President Abu Sayeed said cleanliness of the environment can be ensured by building adequate public toilets.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury urged the government to ensure use of public toilets for free.

“All development activities are being conducted with the public money; therefore, it is the responsibility of the government for such public service,” he said.

He urged PHM Bangladesh and other authorities concerned to recommend the government in taking such initiative as early as possible.