Access to and maintenance of public toilets (India, Nepal, Bangladesh)

How can we develop a city-scale public toilet model that is both well-maintained and accessible in high-footfall locations? This study assesses the adequacy of public toilet facilities based on established standards in approximately 10 different locations across Delhi, Dhaka, and Kathmandu. The primary objective is to develop an assessment model applicable to any city in South Asian context. This model aims to identify necessary upgrades (e.g., additional seats) or the construction of new public toilet complexes. It aspires to serve as a reference for similar gap assessments in urban centers throughout South Asia. The secondary objective is to investigate the shortcomings in maintaining existing facilities. This exploration will delve into various factors, including competency, budget adequacy for operations, and contract packaging/bundling. The study formulated recommendations based on a review of best practices and consultations with key stakeholder groups. The outcome is a proposed model for potentially effective operational frameworks for public toilet facilities.