WEB DESK: Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq announced that the “Suthra Punjab” programme will initiate an intensive cleaning operation in rural areas starting on September 16.
According to The News, under this programme, the local government department will supervise a dedicated team in each rural union council.
At least 10 sanitary workers, supported by four loader rickshaws, will conduct door-to-door garbage collection. The collected waste will then be transported to temporary collection points in the villages, from where it will be moved by trolleys to designated dumping sites.
During a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Sialkot on Saturday, the minister outlined that it will be the responsibility of the District Council to ensure proper waste management at these dumping sites.
He also mentioned that the necessary resources, including manpower and machinery, are being provided as per the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The local government and district councils are expected to complete these arrangements within the next 10 days. Additionally, garbage pits across the area will be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of waste.
The minister also revealed that Punjab’s sanitation system is being standardised and outsourced. The provincial cabinet has approved the collection of fees for cleaning and sanitation services.
A survey will soon be conducted to determine the fees based on the size and type of houses, shops, and commercial and industrial areas within the local government jurisdiction.
Read next: FBR misses tax collection target by Rs98 billion in first two months of FY25