City to be spic and span for Eidul Fitr

To ensure safety, security guards will also perform duties at public parks

LAHORE: The provincial government has directed officials to ensure security and cleanliness and decorate major public parks and recreational spots during Eidul Fitr holidays, said Punjab Caretaker Minister for Energy, Local Government and Community Development Department Zafar Mahmood.

He was addressing a meeting on Thursday to review Eid-related arrangements in the city.

As per direction of Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hassan Askri Rizvi, he ordered foolproof security during Eid holidays.



Speaking to the participants, including Caretaker Minister for Information Ahmad Waqas Riaz, Secretary Information Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Parks and Horticulture Authority Director General Shakeel Ahmad, WASA Chairman Zahid Aziz, Lahore Mayor Col (retd) Mubashir Javed and senior officials of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Mahmood directed officials to ensure proper cleanliness of all public parks. In order to reduce hassle and rush, he advised that additional ticket counters should be set up at Lahore Zoo as long queues of visitors are seen outside during Eid holidays.

He also instructed Punjab Food Authority officials to inspect the quality of products being sold at public parks and make sure the best edibles are available.

The minister was informed that the government and private security guards would perform duties at public parks during Eid holidays. Closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) have been installed at all major public parks and are being monitored round the clock.

Police and Dolphin Squad officials will patrol the areas, while other law enforcement officials, dressed in civvies, would remain available in and around public recreational spots. All visitors will be scanned with the help of metal detectors and walkthrough gates.

Leaves of sanitary staff have already been cancelled. Public parks are being decorated with colourful lights and the power company has made arrangements to provide uninterrupted electricity in public parks.

It was further highlighted in the meeting that WASA staff has been assigned duties to deal with rainwater in public parks as downpours are expected during Eid holidays.

Following the end of Ramazan campaign, Albayrak Waste Management has kickstarted its Eid operations. Grand clean-up operations have started in and around Jamia mosques, Eidgahs and graveyards. Prior to Eid, a zero waste operation will be conducted to provide clean and litter free surroundings to the citizens on Eid days.

Mechanical sweeping will be conducted in morning shifts, whereas mechanical washing will take place at night. Sanitary workers will be deployed at traffic choke points due to the expected rainfall on Eid. Prior to Eid prayers, sanitary staff will sprinkle lime in the surroundings of jamia mosques and Eidgahs. Workers will be deployed in parks and other recreational places to ensure proper waste management. A complaint redressal system would remain active during all three days of Eid. New uniforms and additional resources have already been provided to the field staff. Albayrak operational staff will be on duty at the n head office and the field to monitor cleanliness operations.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2018.