‘Outsourcing won’t end govt role’

Initiative to include rural waste collection, says minister

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has announced its decision to outsource the sanitation system across the province.

During a video link meeting with CEOs of waste management companies, Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique emphasised that the government's responsibility would not end with outsourcing but would, in fact, increase.

"Outsourcing will be strictly monitored at all levels," Rafique assured.

The meeting, held at the civil secretariat, was attended by Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmad Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, and CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company Babar Sahib Din.

Minister Rafique directed all CEOs to complete the pre-qualification process for private companies by June 28.

He praised the waste management companies and local bodies for their successful efforts in ensuring quality cleanliness during Eid-ul-Azha, which significantly boosted public trust in government institutions.

"Now, the same spirit must be maintained during normal days," he added.

In the first phase, each waste management company will start a model project in one tehsil of each district. Rafique reiterated his commitment to selecting companies with good reputations for the cleaning work.

"Under the outsourcing plan, door-to-door waste collection will be conducted, with each area being swept twice a week and drains de-silted once a week," he explained. Rafique also announced the implementation of a uniform cleanliness system in both villages and cities, aiming to create a sanitation model for the rest of the country.

He emphasised the importance of public participation in the cleaning process and suggested that imams dedicate five minutes of their Friday sermons to discuss the significance of cleanliness.

Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmad Mian highlighted the need for hard work and passion to make the outsourcing experience successful.

He instructed the selection of waste dumping sites. It was also decided that the CEOs of all waste management companies would convene in Lahore on Monday.