MUMBAI (India CSR): Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and JSW Foundation have officially launched their first Suvidha Centre in Jagruti Nagar, Ghatkopar, marking a significant step in their initiative to establish ten new community centers in Mumbai. This collaboration aims to provide vital hygiene and sanitation solutions to low-income households, expanding upon the successful Suvidha model initiated by HUL in 2016. Currently, there are 17 such centers operating in partnership with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and HSBC India, benefiting over 450,000 individuals annually.
Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
The newly launched Suvidha Centre is designed to cater to the extensive hygiene and sanitation needs of low-income communities. It offers a variety of essential services, ensuring a holistic approach that prioritizes human-centric design. The center aims to create a safe environment for women and children while engaging actively with the community to enhance user satisfaction and health outcomes.
Key Features of the Suvidha Centre
- 24×7 Access: The center will provide around-the-clock access to safe toilets, purified drinking water, showers, and laundry services, benefiting an additional 20,000 people in the community.
- Affordable Amenities: Services will be available at economical rates, making essential hygiene facilities accessible to low-income households.
- Inclusive Design: The center has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals.
- Safety Measures: With separate washrooms for men, women, and children, the facility ensures safety through features like a ‘panic button’ for emergencies, specifically aimed at protecting women.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The Suvidha Centres are powered by solar energy, contributing to environmental sustainability. Collectively, they have already saved 140 million liters of water.
- Behavior Change Programs: HUL and JSW Foundation plan to implement behavior change programs in the surrounding communities to enhance individual and overall public health.
Leadership Commitment
Mr. Sashidhar Vempala, Chief Sustainability Officer at Hindustan Unilever, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “This launch marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing safe and dignified sanitation services to underserved communities in Mumbai. Our partnership expands access to essential hygiene facilities while promoting sustainability and community empowerment.”
Community Empowerment and Access
Ashwini Saxena, CEO of JSW Foundation, added, “Our collaboration reflects our dedication to empowering local communities, especially focusing on the safety and welfare of women and children. We believe this partnership will significantly enhance access to quality and affordable sanitation facilities in Mumbai.”
Impact and Future Goals
The Suvidha Centres have already demonstrated substantial positive impacts:
- Access to Facilities: Over 450,000 men, women, and children currently benefit from clean sanitation services.
- Water Savings: The centers have cumulatively saved 140 million liters of water.
- User Satisfaction: Approximately 90% of users find the Suvidha centres accessible and inclusive, with 98% of women feeling safe for themselves and their children.
- Health Benefits: Users have experienced a nearly 50% reduction in diarrhea and urinary tract infection (UTI) cases.
As the first jointly established Suvidha Centre, this initiative represents a transformative step towards improving urban hygiene and sanitation, fostering a healthier, more inclusive future for the residents of Mumbai.
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