𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥’𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

…𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏, 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Kinzang Lhamo

The sanitation infrastructure in the capital has come under renewed scrutiny following the release of the country’s first-ever Public Toilet Assessment. The report surveyed 44 public toilet facilities across the capital, including 16 market toilets, 21 public facility toilets, and seven located in transit areas. It provides a serious reflection of the challenges urban residents face in accessing clean, functional, and inclusive sanitation services.

The findings are especially significant in light of Bhutan’s achievement of 100 percent Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in November 2022, coinciding with World Toilet Day. While the country has made substantial progress in ensuring access to sanitation, the focus is now shifting from basic availability to the quality, maintenance, and equity of those services. This change in direction stems from the Royal Decree issued in 1992 by His Majesty the Fourth King, which declared sanitation a fundamental right for all Bhutanese.

Over the years, the country has invested heavily in improving water and sanitation infrastructure. Under the 12th Five Year Plan, Nu. 2.7 billion was allocated for water supply systems across 20 dzongkhags, 25 gewogs, and four thromdes. That momentum continues in the 13th Plan, with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport setting aside Nu. 2.94 billion for climate-resilient water systems.

Despite these investments, the assessment found serious shortcomings in how public toilets function in practice. While the country may technically meet the numerical standards laid out in the National Public Toilet Guideline 2021, which recommends one toilet per 100 to 400 persons, the actual condition of facilities tells a different story.
Out of 232 toilet cubicles inspected, 216 were found to be in working condition. Sixteen were non-operational, representing nearly 7 percent of the total. Some toilets located in high-footfall areas such as Motithang Ozon Park, Changangkha Ecological Park, and Dechencholing Open Gym were entirely closed. These closures were primarily due to a lack of designated caretakers or poor oversight.

The physical distribution of toilets across the capital appears to offer some level of coverage, but the planning behind their placement lacks strategic thinking. High-traffic areas such as public parks, event grounds, and bus terminals remain underserved. This gap is further exacerbated by the lack of signage.

Only 16 percent of the toilets had clear, readable signs. Another 30 percent had signage that was either poorly positioned or difficult to interpret, while the remaining 54 percent had no signage at all. This absence of basic wayfinding information creates barriers to access, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, visitors, and new residents unfamiliar with the city.

Water availability and hygiene standards were found to be inconsistent. Though 86 percent of the toilets had running water, the remaining 14 percent reported critical shortages that undermine the maintenance of hygienic conditions. Waste disposal facilities were inadequate. Just over half of the toilets had general waste bins, and many were surrounded by solid litter, including plastic wrappers and cigarette butts.

Without designated smoking zones, some toilets had been turned into informal smoking areas, further affecting cleanliness and safety. Health faucet availability was also lacking; only 24 percent of toilet cubicles were equipped with them. Moreover, of the 135 washbasins installed citywide, 14 were not functioning.

Cleanliness, a fundamental component of safe sanitation, was found wanting. While most toilet pots and walls were acceptably clean, floor conditions were problematic. Wet floors were reported in more than half of the facilities, even during periods when cleaners were on duty, suggesting lapses in both routine maintenance and supervision. Mirrors were frequently found dirty, diminishing the overall perception of cleanliness and usability.

Gender inclusivity was another major concern highlighted by the assessment. While 39 out of 44 facilities offered separate male and female cubicles, only 17 were equipped with disposal bins for sanitary pads. No toilet had a sanitary pad dispenser, an essential feature for women and girls managing menstruation. Additionally, soap for handwashing was available in just 23 locations. These shortcomings compromise not only health and hygiene but also the sense of dignity and safety for women in public spaces.

The situation was equally dire when it came to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Only five cubicles across all 44 facilities were accessible. Most toilets lacked basic accessibility features such as ramps, grab bars, handrails, and tactile indicators for visually impaired users. There were no diaper changing stations or child-friendly toilet pans in any of the facilities, rendering them unsuitable for caregivers with young children or infants.

Management of public toilets in the capital is currently divided between private contractors, individual operators, and the Thromde. Private companies operate 45 percent of the toilets, individual operators 25 percent, and the Thromde 30 percent. However, out of the 44 toilets surveyed, only 41 caretakers were recorded, 30 of whom were women. Several toilets were found to have no designated caretaker at all. Many lacked a utility or storage room, complicating the logistics of cleaning and restocking supplies.

Oversight and monitoring were irregular. Only 48 percent of the toilets were inspected weekly. Others were checked monthly, bi-annually, or not at all. This inconsistent approach to supervision directly affects the ability of facilities to comply with safety, cleanliness, and maintenance standards.

Regarding cost, 26 toilets charged users Nu. 10 per use, while 18 offered free access. Usage records from 22 pay toilets showed a combined daily usage exceeding 1,600 individuals. However, given that nearly half of the facilities did not maintain records, the actual daily usage is believed to be much higher.

In response to the report’s findings, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Lyonpo Chandra Bdr. Gurung, acknowledged the assessment as “a pivotal tool for guiding future sanitation strategies.” He emphasized that the findings should be used across multiple sectors, not just his ministry.

“These findings would inform smarter investments and lead to more effective planning and delivery of public sanitation services,” he explained.

Chablop Passu, Executive Director of the Bhutan Toilet Organization, stressed that “sanitation is a collective responsibility.” He pointed out that building owners, in particular, have a crucial role to play.

According to him, the absence of proper filters in toilets leads to blockages and sewage overflows not necessarily due to weak infrastructure, but because people connect rainwater pipes directly into sewer lines and throw solid waste into drains.

He also emphasized that if behavior does not improve, enforcement will follow. While awareness programs will continue, people must understand the consequences of their actions.

“A clean toilet is not just a government responsibility but a community expectation that starts with individual behavior,” he said.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Bhutan Toilet Organization, and Thimphu Thromde are expected to act on the assessment’s recommendations. These include clarifying ownership and maintenance responsibilities, installing sanitary pad dispensers and diaper changing stations, improving access for people with disabilities, and enhancing monitoring mechanisms and signage.

On the ground, the assessment’s findings resonate deeply with users. Deki Phuntsho, a daily commuter, noted improvements in water access and cleanliness but pointed out lingering issues.
“It is much better now to go to the toilet since they are cleaner and have access to water,” she said. “The foul smell and lack of lighting still make it uncomfortable, especially in some areas where water leaks inside the toilets and there’s no proper lighting.”

Pem Tshering, a resident of the capital, echoed similar sentiments.
“Sometimes the toilet looks fine from the outside, but the moment you step in, the smell is overwhelming. It makes it really hard to use, even if everything else seems improved,” said Pem Tshering.
He also expressed concern about the safety and atmosphere around some public toilets, particularly in the evenings.
“Young people often gather there to smoke, and it can be quite terrifying sometimes. It doesn’t feel like a safe or welcoming space, especially for women and elderly users.”

Ultimately, the country’s first Public Toilet Assessment offers more than just a critique; it provides a roadmap. It signals a crucial shift from counting infrastructure to evaluating its quality and usability. As Bhutan strives toward higher standards in urban development, the conversation on public sanitation must move beyond mere availability to ensuring that these facilities are clean, safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.