SSWMB issues notices to private contractors for engaging child labourers in garbage collection

The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) on Thursday issued notices to private companies, responsible for garbage collection and disposal in the city, for not adhering to cleanliness standards based on information provided by the Child Labour Department.

In response to directives from Sindh Chief Minister Nasimuddin Mirani, the managing director issued notices to the private companies. Private companies involved in sanitation contracts with the SSWM were prohibited from employing workers under 18 years of age as sanitary workers according to agreements made over the past 18 years. Additionally, they were instructed to provide employees with government-mandated wages.

The managing director conducted a detailed visit of the District Korangi, inspecting workers involved in sanitation operations and assessed the cleanliness status in various areas. All private companies involved in the sanitation work, as directed by the managing director, were issued notices stating that if they failed to provide employees with government-mandated wages during operations and if child labor was reported, strict actions would be taken against these companies under the Sindh Prohibition of Employment of Children Act, 2017. They emphasised the enforcement of legal consequences against any violations of labor laws by contractors and urged compliance with directives without exceptions.