In a creative initiative to ensure the proper maintenance of public toilets in significant locations across Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has rolled out a pioneering plan. By issuing tenders that exchange advertising rights for the upkeep and repair of public toilets, PMC aims to address the challenge of maintaining these essential facilities.
Sandip Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC Solid Waste Management Department, shared insights “We have initiated this idea on a pilot basis, floating tenders for the maintenance of four public toilets located in Yerawada, Kharadi, and Airport Road. In this arrangement, public toilets will be efficiently maintained and repaired, and in return, the respective entity will be granted 900 sq. ft. near that specific public toilet for advertising purposes.”
As of now, this innovative concept is being tested with public toilets in Yerawada, Kharadi, and Airport Road. While the idea is not yet planned for widespread implementation across all public toilets in Pune, the PMC is exploring this approach to optimize costs associated with the maintenance and repair of these facilities.
Traditionally, public toilets’ construction and maintenance have been outsourced to contractors by the Municipal Corporation, incurring significant annual expenditures. With an eye on cost-saving and sustainability, PMC is introducing the concept of advertising rights in exchange for maintenance and repair services, initially on a trial basis.
During the first six months following the tender process completion, the focus will be on renovating and beautifying the identified public toilets. Subsequently, for the next ten years, the responsible entity will be tasked with the ongoing maintenance and repair responsibilities, making the initiative a win-win for both the city’s sanitation and advertising sectors.
