Clean up overdue: Mayor suspends environment wing officials

Officials were suspended due to delaying the disposal of foliage after the thunderstorms

ISLAMABAD: The Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz has suspended Environment Wing Assistant Director Muhammad Ashfaq Noori and Forester Abdul Jalil and Forest Guard Nazim Shah for substandard progress in the Islamabad Municipal Corporation (IMC) Environment Wing with regards to the disposing off of wild grass, plants and trees in the federal capital.

Furthermore, he has also demanded an explanation from the three officers. On Friday, the Islamabad Mayor visited several streets of the capital and took notice of the inefficiency of the Environment Wing and not only suspended officers and employees, but also demanded a written explanation from the Environment Director Irfan Niazi, Environment Deputy Director  Akhtar Rasool as to why have they failed to execute their professional duties.

The Mayor said that only those officers and employees will work in IMC who execute their duties responsibly and professionally. He remarked that those officers and employees who failed to execute their duties and didn’t work will be dealt with harshly. He instructed the officers and employees to work earnestly and hard for the disposal of wild grass and growth in Islamabad and play their role in keeping Islamabad neat and clean.

A few days ago, Daily Express reported that the wild plants and trees were not properly cleared and disposed of from the roads, as a result of the recent thunderstorms. This culminated in the blockage of roads in front of the Mariott hotel. The wild growth has also been seen in two graveyards. When an officer in the Environment Wing was contacted regarding the issue, he clearly told Daily Express that they did not have the machines to clear off wild trees and growth.

Mayor Aziz, while inspecting the repair work of 7th Avenue directed to complete remaining work within 10 days.

Machinery Pool Organisation (MPO) of Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) has completed carpeting and repair of six kilometre-long side of 7th Avenue.

Director MPO Umer Sagheer apprised the mayor that due to recent rain spells and Eid holidays, the repairing and maintenance of other side of the avenue could not be initiated, however, he informed that the remaining work would be completed within given stipulated time.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2018.