Kerala's Rs 3.4 Crore She-Toilet Project Falls Apart As All 57 Units Become Non-Functional

The ambitious "She-Toilet" project, launched to provide safe, hygienic, and accessible restrooms for women, has been scrapped, leaving a significant amount of public funds wasted. According to an official statement from the Kerala State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC), none of the 57 facilities set up across the state are currently operational.

The project, initiated in 2012 with a total cost of Rs 3.40 crores, was aimed at providing technologically advanced, women-friendly toilets with features like sanitary napkin vending machines, incinerators, electronic door displays, security systems, and FM radio. However, each unit, costing around Rs 5 lakh, was abandoned by 2017 due to high maintenance costs.

The KSWDC confirmed the failure of the project in response to an RTI filed by Hemaraj K S, a Thiruvananthapuram resident. Hemaraj criticized the authorities for wasting taxpayer money and failing to sustain the project, stating that public funds should be spent on long-lasting initiatives that benefit the community.

An official from KSWDC attributed the failure to the unaffordable maintenance costs of the toilets. "After a cost evaluation, it was clear that installing new toilets would be more feasible than maintaining the old ones," the official said.

Speaking to Oneindia, local residents expressed their frustration over the She-Toilet project, calling it a complete failure. "The She-Toilet is a total waste. They've wasted our money, and the government is not doing anything about it," one resident said, reflecting the sentiments of many. Locals also pointed out the lack of facilities and maintenance, stating that the project, meant to improve sanitation for women, has done little to address their needs. The absence of basic amenities has left the community dissatisfied with the government's efforts in ensuring proper sanitation.

Speaking to The Indian Express, senior economist Mary George criticised the government for failing to improve sanitation facilities for women. She argued that instead of abandoning the project, more She-Toilets should have been installed, highlighting the daily struggles women face due to the lack of public restrooms. George stressed that access to clean, basic toilets is essential, particularly as lifestyle-related health issues are on the rise for both men and women.

George also criticised the government's tendency to abandon projects initiated by previous administrations, calling it poor governance. "This is not the first time such a project has been scrapped. It's a sign of poor governance and a lack of commitment to fulfilling social needs," she said.

The She-Toilet project was piloted in Thiruvananthapuram and had units in various districts across the state, including Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kollam, Kannur, Kottayam, Palakkad, and Kasaragod. The failure of the project has left many questioning the government's priorities and ability to manage public funds effectively.