Public toilets in the Capital city are few and far between. Of the 10 such facilities in different places of Kathmandu, most are smelly and low in hygiene levels. There are some mobile public conveniences set up by private companies, but they are also not enough for the Capital city where urban population, according to 2011 census, has swollen to 1.6 million.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) operates public conveniences in Kalanki, Koteshowr, Sundhara, Ratnapark, Chabahil and Purano Bus Park among others areas. 

“I know one in Purano Bus Park, but it is very poorly managed,” says Ramana Poudel from Mandikhatar. According to her, some mobile toilets, however, are comparatively cleaner.

In view of the urgent need of public toilets in the city, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has said it will soon build around 300 such facilities—men’s and ladies’ rooms—within the ring road area in three months. 

“But before we construct public toilets, we are focusing on building public conveniences since they are urgently needed in the Capital in view of the rising population here and lack of facilities where the people can relieve themselves,” said Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya.  

“There should be one toilet for every nine people. The number of such wash rooms planned by the metropolis can address the problem for now,” said Kishor Thapa, a town planning expert. 

According to town planners, an estimated 150,000 floating population roams around the city area every day. 

Floating population is people who reside in a given area for a limited time for various reasons, but are not generally considered part of the official census count. 

Kathmandu Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya said the metropolis would soon build 40 public toilets in the Capital. “But for now we are going to build men’s and ladies’ rooms.”

According to him, these facilities will be built at every 200-300 metres. 

“We have already opened a tender and two companies have submitted applications,” said Gyaendra Karki, spokesperson for the KMC, adding that the metropolis has allocated Rs 30 million for the project. 

Similarly, the metropolis has also started a feasibility study for constructing well-equipped public toilets at around 100 places in Kathmandu.