CM’s Suthra Punjab programme: One-time zero waste in every tehsil

LAHORE: Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq has said that with the launch of the new sanitation system, a beautiful face of Punjab will develop to help improve the quality of life.

In the first phase, the best sanitation services will be provided to 80.6 million population of the province. He was addressing a video link meeting of CEOs of waste management companies at the Civil Secretariat there on Thursday. During the meeting, the outsourcing of solid waste management and the future strategy under ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz were reviewed in detail.

Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that the selection of contractors in 103 tehsils has been completed in the first phase.

“All preparations under the management of Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan and Faisalabad Waste Management Companies have been completed. Sargodha and Sahiwal waste management companies will be outsourced in the next phase”, he said. Zeeshan Rafiq added that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will inaugurate this unique cleaning programme on December 3.

The minister directed the CEOs to conduct cleanliness awareness campaign and complete one-time zero waste in every tehsil without delay, adding that the private contractors will gradually improve their efficiency and services. The local government department will train the technical staff of contractors to ensure timely redressal of complaints to be lodged on the dashboard and Suthra Punjab app, he said.

Zeeshan Rafique further said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision of “Suthra Punjab” was implemented in a short period of time.

“The Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners have worked hard and dedication, but we should not let this spirit fade”, he maintained.

Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul and CEO LWMC Babar Sahib Din were also present.

Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian said that the provincial control room will monitor all the processes of outsourcing.

The availability of required human resource and machinery will be ensured. Shakeel Ahmed reiterated his commitment that redressal of the complaints filed by the citizens on the Suthra Punjab app will be ensured.