Five tehsils of Lahore among 93 outsourced

LAHORE:Provincial Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has disclosed that the outsourcing model process has been completed in 93 tehsils, including five tehsils of Lahore.

Ensuring one-time zero waste in selected tehsils has also been started. After the launch by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the cleaning responsibilities will be officially handed over to the contractors.

He was presiding over a meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to review the progress on the Solid Waste Management outsourcing programme. Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Ms Asia Gul and Additional Secretary Ms Maria Tariq were also present while CEOs of waste management companies across the Punjab participated through a video link.

The minister directed that before shifting the job to the contractors, required machinery must be made operational. Effective and long-lasting sanitation system is about to start in Punjab. Under the supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the bidding process was completed in a fast and transparent manner, he further said.

Zeeshan Rafiq added that the chief minister would soon launch the outsourcing model under this programme. The government will ensure the provision of all possible funds for quality sanitation facilities. ‘Inshallah, a new culture of cleanliness will start in all the villages and cities’, he added.

The minister further said that the participation of public and elected representatives were essential part of outsourcing plan. An effective awareness campaign should also be conducted in this regard, he urged. He warned that in the current phase of outsourcing there is no room for laxity. Therefore, he directed, all waste management companies should ensure the implementation of the instructions issued by the LG&CD from time to time.

LDA facilitation centre inspected

LDA DG Tahir Farooq visited Citizen Facilitation Centre on Monday and reviewed the working of the second shift. He also reviewed the processing of daily requests received at the centre. DG Tahir Farooq directed additional staff at the e-service counter on the request of the citizens in the second shift. Later, he reviewed the control room and revamping works.