Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde is seeing an increasing number of visitors after the reopening of border gates last month. But the visitors are troubled, not able to find a public toilet to relieve themselves. Although there are three public toilets in the Thromde, all of them are under lock and key for the last two years.
The public toilet remained closed after the pandemic hit the country. According to Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde, it was closed since the town didn’t receive many visitors during the last two years.
Moreover, the toilets were maintained and cleaned by Indians who couldn’t continue the work after the border closure.
There are two public toilets in Samdrup Jongkhar Maed and one in Samdrup Jongkhar Toed which are equipped with shower facilities.
But today, the windows of the toilets are broken and the surroundings are dirty.
The residents want the toilets to be kept open.
“When we arrive here, we need to relieve ourselves but the toilet is closed. Moreover, with more Indian visitors coming in, they look for a public toilet. It will be convenient if the toilets are kept open,” said Wangpo, a visitor.
“I am a taxi driver and sometimes, passengers look for a toilet. Although they can visit the hotel, it would be grateful if public toilets are kept open,” said Karna Bahadur, a taxi driver.
According to Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde, they are planning to open the public toilet soon. Thromde administration is currently looking for an interested individual to operate it. After that people will have to pay a minimal fee to use the toilet.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
