USERS of the public toilet at the Central Market are now footing the cost for the renovation of the toilet by paying $5.00 per entry.
This came after the Honiara City Council (HCC) was unable to meet the cost of $180, 000 incurred by the contractor to renovate the public facility.
Recently the facility had been closed to allow for renovation work carried out by a local private contractor.
However, it was revealed HCC was unable to settle the payment.
In light of outstanding arrears, Galosa Construction Company has taken responsibility to manage the facility and charged $5 fee per person for the use of the facility.
Managing Director Galorick Irota said, his company had introduced the payment of a five dollar to users as a way of recovering expenses incurred for repair and renovation of the toilet facilities.
Mr. Irota claimed his company had spent a total of $180,000 in costs to repair and renovate the toilet into a clean facility.
He said, since the Honiara City council which is the responsible authority looking after the Central Market was unable to pay his company’s expenses, he had resorted to introduce payment of five dollars fee to users to recover his money.
Mr. Irota said,there is nothing sinister about introduction of the user pay fee system.
He said, as anticipated, a sum of three dollars from the five dollars fee will go towards recovery of costs while the two dollar caters for toilet accessories such as toilet papers and cleaning detergents.
Mr. Irota explained under the deal, his workers will be responsible for the daily cleaning of the toilet facilities ensuring they are maintained to required health standards.
“Members of the public are at liberty to make a choice as to whether to use the Central market toilet facility for convenience purpose or go to home.”
HCC Clerk Charlie Kelly was reluctant to comment on the issue when contacted by the Solomon Star.
Members of the public who contacted Solomon Star felt the current user-pay system is good but the fee may not be easy for ordinary people to pay.
By LESLEYSANGA
