Single authority for all municipal services discussed

LAHORE : A meeting chaired by Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq at the Civil Secretariat focused on the proposal of creating a single authority for all municipal services.

The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Khuram Khan Virk, Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asiya Gull and others.

The proposed Punjab Water Supply, Sewerage, Sanitation, and Solid Waste Management Authority (PWSSSWMA) was discussed in detail. Syed Zahid Aziz, Managing Director of Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company, briefed the participants. The goal of establishing PWSSSWMA is to enhance services for citizens.

Zeeshan Rafiq emphasised that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed to eliminate duplication in municipal services. In line with this directive, the creation of the authority is being reviewed. The minister noted that all stakeholders would be consulted in the process of establishing PWSSSWMA. He stressed that effective municipal services should be provided at the grassroots and eliminating duplication across departments is essential for clearer service delivery. Establishing the authority at the provincial level is expected to resolve various complexities.

Parliamentary Secretary Khuram Khan Virk indicated that proposals would be sent to the chief minister after reviewing all aspects.

He mentioned that while further consideration is needed before the proposed legislation, the process would be completed promptly.