As I have already been involved in managing public toilets on a few big occasions, this time when I heard about the BazaGuru Drungdrup for three days (1st to 3rd March) I was rather obliged rather than feeling excited.
To create the toilet of my dreams, I went to check the conditions of the public toilets several times (Moelamchenmo ground, zhemgang). To my surprise the recently constructed public toilet surrounding was in a very hostile condition.
I tried everything in my control to do some cleaning although the weather was in our favor.
Before I headed back home, I approached the camp coordinator to support my cause with some toiletries –tissue paper, soap, buckets, jugs, and phenol. I elaborated to him in length that these items are mandatory to keep any toilet clean and tidy. But, he seemed least bothered. He hesitantly accepted to fund my aforementioned proposal.
For whatever reasons, I did not give up because I know it is for the good cause. It is a public matter and I felt the need is urgent. Therefore, I remained firm and pushed myself even further. I even have to coax some officers in between thinking for some favors to carry out this public service more blatantly and successfully. But, very few have supported the move.
On the first day, we were very excited. Therefore, we reached there by 5:45 am. In fact, before anyone, we took with us our own buckets, jugs and some hard brooms because we knew these items won't be on their list. I left my team to do a final touch and I went straight to the store. I luckily got phenol and the soap. I thanked them immensely. I told them I would remain obliged for their kindness and the support for the cause.
On the very first day, after a few hours we came across acute water shortage, toilet shortage especially for our females (4 units for large gathering is too less), missing tissue paper and maintaining the surrounding clean free of litters.
To keep the mission alive, I immediately rushed to a few officers I knew, for some help –the only word that I could utter was “Water Shortage for Toilet Sir”. Luckily we got immediate supply from the Fire Fighter Truck that lasted just for a few hours because the water storage tank was too small for the crowd. Anyway we managed till the last hour. We even fought silently with cooks over water –they felt the kitchen was more important (of course we too felt the same) and we had our own share of rights (everyone has the right to clean the toilet). I and my team tried our best to convey that toilets are equally important like kitchens. We did not back an inch from our prospect, and our gesture remained unabatingly firm and our mission remained undying like Ashley Eden. We felt the first few hours were less impactful but as time passed by we picked our momentum and slowly everyone felt our presence. Everyone trusted us and everyone seemed impressed with our dedicated service.
On the second day we ran short of water supply more acutely, we had to struggle to maintain the sufficient amount of water for the toilet; on the other hand some officers’ were reluctant to aid us. But after several special requests, by afternoon Municipal Officer gave us the independent water supply and the two small tar drums which immensely helped us to perform our toiletry works.
Third day was a bit easy and comfortable. We only needed to check the water supply, phenol, soap and clean the toilet pot from time to time. Although we all were thoroughly exhausted, we never gave up.
After working tirelessly and selflessly, we got some positive feedback – “toilet was very clean, and toilet smells so good”, these remarks gave us a sense of happiness, satisfaction and pride for the work we undertook to serve everyone.
We also had some bitter experience from three-day experience – people become bother less, carefree, and too dependent with free services, which made me reflect on the quote – “Once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop”.
All these were made possible due to my dedicated and committed team [7 boys and 3 girls] for which I shall remain ever grateful and thankful. I am also so humbled by their team spirit, energy level, sacrifice and positiveness.
Let's make toilets a first priority!
Let's stop to defame mother nature!
Let's forget the dirty toilet mindset!
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