LWMC struggles to keep expenses in check
Workers of Lahore Waste Management Company busy in removing the garbage as Punjab government launched modern and organized system of cleanliness in the Provincial Capital City with the collaboration of Turk companies. PHOTO: APP
The streets of the city could not be cleared of garbage, while the expenses on hiring consultants, recruiting staff for vigilance and renting vehicles has increased apparently due to a poor strategy of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) officials.
The entire responsibility of cleaning and disposing of garbage in the provincial capital lies with the LWMC, which spends Rs14 billion annually for keeping the city clean. After taking over the sanitation system from foreign firms, the company is struggling to fulfill its claims of reducing the cost and improving the cleanliness conditions in the city.
While the expenditure has increased rather than decreasing, the city's sanitation system has not improved.
With the exception of some roads getting VIP treatment, there are piles of garbage in most of the city's streets.
The waste management company currently has 450 old vehicles. It also has a workshop but due to high workload, lack of funds and lax monitoring of its performance, vehicles are frequently not being repaired on time, making it difficult to pick up the garbage promptly.
According to sources, at least seven consultants had been hired by the company in addition to appointment of several officers.
The waste management company has a CEO, deputy CEO, GM, deputy GM, town manager, coordination manager, ZOs and operations supervisors. However, a vigilance cell has been set up and 18 employees have been recruited.
Similarly officers responsible for vigilance and other duties have been given around 20 rented vehicles.
When contacted, LWMC Chief Executive Officer Rafia Haider said the company was trying to provide the best facilities to the citizens by utilising the existing resources. Some of the machinery has arrived and more will be available in the early months of next year, which will meet the shortage.
Recruitment of sanitary workers and drivers is also under way to overcome the shortage of employees, she said, adding that the performance would improve with the steps being taken by the management and all initiatives and recruitments are approved by a board.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 29th, 2021.