Initiative to improve civic services launched
Traffic snarls on roads in Rawalpindi have become a common sight due to encroachments. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Local Government and Community Development Department has given the green light to kick start the "Now Villages will Shine" programme, aimed at enhancing cleanliness and security in 378 union councils across Rawalpindi Division.
Under this initiative, village committees comprising influential community members will be formed to oversee the maintenance of cleanliness and security. These committees will operate under the guidance of Lambardars (village heads).
Sanitary workers will be deployed to collect trash from households, ensuring that all waste is consolidated within the community and disposed of using modern technology. Each hamlet will also have its designated garbage disposal site, chosen by local committees. Additionally, all village union councils are authorized to register and issue vital certificates, including birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates. Separate offices for village union councils will be established, with each council staffed by a secretary, junior clerk, and deputy messenger.
The Ministry of Local Government will establish computerised UC offices to streamline the issuance of computerized certificates. Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha has emphasised the immediate commencement of the programme in the four districts of Rawalpindi Division—Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal.
Each village union council will deploy three sanitary workers, one watchman, and a village committee to ensure efficient garbage collection, drain cleaning, and disease prevention measures.
The appointment of three sanitary employees, village committees, and watchmen for each council is expected to be completed by September 30.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2023.