Cleanliness is big business.
The City of Dumaguete has reported a ten-fold increase in its net income from its public market toilets after it installed state-of-the-art waterless toilets.
From an average monthly net income of P5,116.13 early this year, the seven market toilets, which charge two pesos per user, now nets P57,037.35 from a gross income of P237,920.
But the City Council has noted that the restrooms at the Kiwanis stage at the Quezon Park has lost P449,859 in two years of operations.
This prompted the city council to conduct a public hearing Thursday on a proposed ordinance adjusting the rate for the use of the public toilets at Quezon Park, at the instance of Councilor Noel de Jesus.
Adjusting the rates was suggested and to renovate and improve the facilities of the rest room as evidenced in the high collection rate of the newly-commissioned waterless toilet at the city’s public market.
In line with the city’s desire to maintain the city’s pride as among the cleanest cities in the country, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria will be asking the support of the city council in allocating funds for the renovation of existing public toilets in Dumaguete so people will patronize them instead of just urinating in open and public places.
These include the restroom near the bell tower, the restroom operated by Persons with Disabilities at the Quezon Park, and the restroom near the Press Club building, among others. (PNA/Juancho Gallarde)