LWMC to charge owners for removing debris

LAHORE: In order to ensure a clean and green environment, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has decided to collect the cost of removing construction debris from any site will be charged from the respective owners in the provincial metropolis.

The decision was taken in a meeting held on Wednesday in response to the persuasive issue of debris accumulation in Lahore. The meeting was chaired by the LWMC CEO and attended by the officers from the LDA and the MCL. Acting upon Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa's directives, the trio pledged joint efforts to address over 350 identified debris points citywide.

Notably, the LWMC has successfully cleared more than 330 of these points during the past seven days. The commissioner instructed the Town Planning Wing to focus on clearing larger debris points. A unanimous decision emerged to form joint teams comprising LWMC, LDA, and MCL representatives, aimed at curbing the illegal dumping of construction material. These collaborative teams will spearhead enforcement operations across the city.

The LWMC spokesperson said there was significant participation from officers from LDA's Town Planning Wing as well as LWMC's Enforcement Wing, Operation Wing, and Business Development Wing.

The LDA's Town Planning Wing will play a key role in identifying designated areas for debris disposal near urban areas. Stricter measures have been outlined for building owners and contractors who neglect proper debris disposal, including fines and FIRs. CEO Babar Sahib Din underscored the commitment to ensuring a clean environment for citizens, urging them to utilise designated disposal sites rather than resorting to illegal dumping on streets and roads. To streamline communication and address sanitation concerns, citizens are encouraged to contact the LWMC helpline at 1139 or on social media.

Furthermore, in a heartwarming gesture, LWMC brought joy to its Christian workers by transferring more than 16,000 employees to an advance salary along with a bonus. Additionally, a holiday on December 26th has also been declared for Christian workers.

The LWMC spokesperson expressed LWMC's dedication to ensuring equal participation in the happiness of its Christian workforce. Festive celebrations were in full swing across all LWMC workshops, featuring Christmas cake-cutting events. Highlighting the annual tradition, LWMC spokesperson mentioned the upcoming grand cake-cutting ceremony at Hazoori Bagh on Friday, reinforcing LWMC's festive spirit and commitment to fostering a joyful work environment for its employees.