Crowdfunded effort builds public toilet along NH-702A

With donations from Rs 10 to Rs 5000, 40 individuals helped a youth group in Chetheba, Phek District, build and gift a public urinal along NH-702A

“Crowdfunding for Public Toilet,” it read — a call from the Altruist Society, Chetheba, to build a public toilet at Khüsuntüka (Brotherhood Road), a key stop for travelers along NH-702A, which connects Phek, Zunheboto, Tuensang, and beyond.

The appeal was simple: donate what you can. All donors’ names would be honored on a plaque. The first response came in quietly — Rs 200.

What followed was a heartwarming show of solidarity. From engineers and civil servants to students and small business owners, 40 individuals donated amounts ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 5000, helping turn the idea into reality. No government funds. No contractors. Just people, a plan, and a purpose.

The total funds raised stood at Rs 20,782.01, with contributions pouring in from across Nagaland — including Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Tseminyu, Phek, Zunheboto, and Chetheba. The highest single donation was Rs 5000; the smallest, Rs 10. One donor even contributed an exact Rs 72.01.

The Altruist Society maintained a transparent expenditure record, with Rs 10,200 spent on bricks (17 trips), Rs 3,200 on 32 CFT of sand, Rs 2,400 for 4 bags of cement, Rs 2,800 as labour charges for two days, Rs 500 for pickup truck transport, and Rs 1,000 for lunch and refreshments.

In addition to monetary support, well-wishers contributed in kind — including 3 kilos of beef, 3 new CGI sheets, and 3 reused CGI sheets for the roofing.

Construction was completed in just two days, followed by a day for painting. After all expenses, Rs 683 remained — which the Society plans to use for final paint touch-ups.

The facility was officially inaugurated on Friday, June 20, in a brief ceremony. Maha Nakro, the landowner, offered a prayer and blessing and commended the initiative for addressing a long-standing and practical public need. Medothi Rhakho, Village Council Chairman of Thenyizu, was the special guest and cut the ribbon.

“This facility will serve countless travelers and improve sanitation along the highway. I appreciate all the donors and congratulate the Society for bringing this much-needed washroom for travelers,” Rhakho stated.

MT