Why does the public pay fees to access shower facilities at Ela Beach

BY JUNIOUR UKAHA

Is this shower/bath facility at Ela Beach owned by NCDC or a private person/contractor? Yesterday (Dec, 26, 2021) they charged me K10 for using the bath facility. 

That's K2 each for two adults and K1 each for four kids.  

They also charged other users the same fees. 

They also charged K1 for adults and 0.50t for kids who are using the adjacent toilet facilities. 

There were no notices there telling the public that they were supposed to pay these fees. 

Instead, while we were having our shower/bath a lady approached us and informed us that we were to pay the said fees. 

I was surprised and inquired about the ownership of the facility. 

She said the facility is owned by NCDC but was managed by a private contractor. 

My concern is: how can an important public recreational area be given to a private contractor to operate? 

We pay taxes to the Government to have access to these facilities?  

Why are we paying again for these services? 

Please, can someone in NCDC explain this situation for the public's benefit?