LAHORE, Nov 02 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set a 15-day deadline for a 100 percent improvement in cleanliness across the province.
The CM directed the district administrations to ensure visible results through effective sanitation operations.
The performance of the Suthra Punjab programme was reviewed at a special meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, here on Monday, which considered discontinuing solid waste management companies over their unsatisfactory performance. The meeting decided to shift to self-operation in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Expressing concern over dust and dirt on roads across the province, Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the daily washing of main roads and ordered strict action against littering after cleaning operations. She instructed the authorities to impose fines on those found dumping garbage in markets, bazaars, vegetable and fruit markets, and grain markets.
Targets were also set to ensure the availability of adequate manpower and machinery in every district. The Chief Minister directed that villages be cleaned on alternate days and instructed Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to hold weekly meetings with Field Monitoring Officers (FMOs). She also ordered the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess their performance.
The CM directed the timely payment of salaries to sanitation workers in every city and locality. She also sought details from all Deputy Commissioners about machinery required for cleanliness operations and a final record of savings achieved through self-operation.
The meeting also considered imposing fines on owners of vacant plots where garbage is found.
Deputy Commissioners of Multan, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Hafizabad, Muzaffargarh and other districts presented reports on sanitation arrangements. The Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to physically verify the machinery and equipment available in their respective districts.
A follow-up meeting to review progress on the Suthra Punjab programme was scheduled after one week.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
