The toilet blocks were built by demolishing cubicles that had not been in use for years and were accumulating garbage. The new construction has thus significantly improved the immediate urban environment. Prior to commencing construction work all the residents living in the vicinity of the toilet were individually informed. The construction work on the first toilet started in mid-September of 2008 under the supervision of the project engineer and concerned community representatives.

Group discussions were carried out with varied user groups (men, women, and children) to develop design and management parameters. Discussions were initiated with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on the operation and management of the toilet facility.

An overall plan for the management of all community toilet complexes has been put in place. This relies on community managed ‘pay and use’ facilities in the Basti in order to make the operation and maintenance sustainable and economically viable.