‘Suthra Punjab’ plan to be launched on Dec 3

LAHORE:All is set for inaugurating a standard and sustainable solid waste management system in Punjab. ‘Maryam Nawaz Ka Punjab, Suthra Punjab’ programme will be launched on December 3.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will inaugurate this programme. In this regard, the arrangements for the event were finalised during the meeting held at the LWMC office under the chair of Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq. The provincial minister issued necessary instructions for the launching ceremony. LWMC CEO Babar Sahib Din briefed the minister on the arrangements for the event.

Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that the initiation of a unique public-private partnership project is a matter of pride for him. ‘We will ensure the fulfillment of the responsibility entrusted by the chief minister to us to provide standard facilities to the people’, he pledged. Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian and CEOs of waste management companies concerned deserve appreciation who worked day and night to implement the vision of the chief minister, he said. Zeeshan Rafiq said that restructuring of solid waste system in Lahore was also a part of this programme. ‘For the first time, a uniform sanitation system was going to be implemented in the cities and villages. Outsourcing model will ensure safe dumping and door to door waste collection’, he said.

The minister added that there would be manual sweeping of each area and desilting of drains as well. It was the responsibility of the general public and the elected representatives to make the new sanitation system successful in their respective areas. He further said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will also launch the Suthra Punjab app during the ceremony through which citizens will be able to give all kinds of feedback.

Under the new system, an effective mechanism has been created for immediate redressal of citizens’ complaints. ‘We will run a sensitisation campaign to highlight the importance of cleanliness among students at all levels’, he vowed.

For the first time, there will be monitoring of cleanliness through artificial intelligence. An effective procedure for the attendance of cleaning staff has been made. Apart from this, citizens will also be able to register their complaints through helpline 1139, he concluded.