More than 3,000 Beijing businesses are expected to open their
restrooms for public use.
The Beijing Municipal Administration Commission has urged
hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, gasoline stations and other
establishments to open the doors of their facilities by Monday to
people who aren't customers.
Many businesses seem far more receptive to the idea now that the
commissions is merely encouraging them to do so, rather than
issuing a directive.
Far-sighted business people will not refuse those in need,
according to a Xinhua News Agency report. Offering use of their
toilets might help their bottom lines, as consumers who use the
facilities might stay and spend money.
Meanwhile, the city will upgrade or build another 400 public
restrooms.
According to the Beijing Star Daily, the city also has
promised that by 2008, people will be able to locate a public
lavatory within eight minutes' walk of any spot in the downtown
area.
Before, Beijing -- with a population of 13.8 million by last's
year count -- had only an estimated 7,700 public toilets. That
number simply could not meet the needs of the public.
A taxi driver surnamed Yang said that he is afraid of drinking
too much water when he works because he often cannot find a
restroom.
"Each time I'm thirsty, I only take a sip of water," said the
32-year-old Yang, who usually works more than 12 hours a day. He
said that some drivers simply use the roadside out of
necessity.
According to the commission's blueprint, over the next four
years the city will close about 3,000 antiquated public restrooms
located in the hutong (traditional back lanes).
The city is seen to be addressing the shortage of facilities to
prepare to host the 2008
Olympic Games.
The Xinhua News Agency report hailed the move, noting that
tourists will be the biggest beneficiaries.
During the past week-long May Day holiday alone, the capital
welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and overseas visitors.
(China Daily July 21, 2004)