The construction of a bullet proof public lavatory in the capital, worth up to 800,000 yuan (about US$100,600), is under fire citing a misuse of public funds, reports the Huaxia Times.

A resident walks past a bulletproof public lavatory in Zhongguancun Square, in Beijing September 3, 2006. The lavatory was designed after the 2001, 9/11 US terrorist attacks. Weighting 15 tons and valued at 800,000 yuan (US$100,600), it would keep any explosion inside from harming the public. [qianlong.com]

Weighing 15 tons (300,0000 kilograms) and 30 centimeters thick, the high- priced john was recently opened to the public in Beijing's Zhonggguancun Square.

It is among a series of public security products to counter terrorist attacks following the 9/11 attack in the US. The lavatory reportedly can resist the blast of common TNT explosives with no harm to people outside.

This kind of anti-explosion latrine was devised and widely used in the US after the 9/11 tragedy, said legal expert Zuo Zhijin.

"Out of safety concerns it may be necessary for the US, a country that is constantly under threat from terrorists," said Zuo, noting the different situation in Beijing. "I don't think the WC is a must." he said.

Beijing has seen no major intentional explosions for quite a long time, according to information from the Beijing Police Bureau.

"It's nothing more than snatching up wealth form the public purse!" read a comment by an online writer posted on Sohu.com.

Most netizens were doubtful of the necessity of this costly public washroom.

"The toilet, a vanity project of the city administration, has no practical significance at all," wrote a blogger on Sina.com.