This paper describes a communal toilet construction programme in the city of
Pune (India) undertaken through a partnership between the municipal corporation
and eight NGOs. It focuses on the 13 toilet blocks that are the responsibility
of one of these NGOs, Shelter Associates, and includes details of how they have
been working with local residents with regard to design, construction, provision
for maintenance and incorporation of space for community activities. It
highlights the positive aspects, especially the municipal
corporation’s willingness to try a new approach, while also describing
the difficulties that NGOs face in having to meet official implementation
schedules and cope with bureaucratic delays while delivering for, and remaining
accountable to, low-income groups.
