Residents and visitors in Trashi Yangtse are urging authorities to urgently provide a public toilet in the town. In the absence of one, visitors are forced to rely on restaurant toilets, while others have no option but to use open spaces.
With the district administration office and the court located near the town, residents from all eight gewogs of Trashi Yangtse regularly travel through the town to access services.
In addition, the town receives visitors travelling to sacred sites located in and around the area.
However, the absence of a public toilet facility in the town has raised concerns over hygiene and convenience for both residents and visitors.
Kinley Tenzin, a taxi driver said, “A public toilet in the town area would be very convenient. Without one, both taxi drivers and passengers face difficulties.”
Karma Dorji, one of the hoteliers said, “My hotel is located near the highway, and many people ask if there is a public toilet. Since there is none, we allow them to use ours. Sometimes, customers even try to buy a few items just to use the toilet.”
Thukten Tshering, another taxi driver said, “There is no proper toilet facility here. People like us, especially while waiting for passengers, face inconveniences. We often have to go far to find a toilet. If a public toilet is constructed, it will benefit not only us but also the passengers.”
The district administration said that there were plans to construct a public toilet this financial year, along with major maintenance works on the existing bazam. However, the plan had to be dropped due to high cost estimates.
Instead, the district administration is currently maintaining the only public toilet at Chorten Kora in view of upcoming religious events. Chorten Kora is located a few hundred metres from the town area.
While residents continue to manage without a public toilet for now, the district administration said a public toilet for the town area is planned for the next financial year.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
