Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered stronger measures to improve cleanliness across the province. The directives were issued under the Suthra Punjab Programme.
The chief minister chaired a special review meeting in Lahore. Officials reviewed cleanliness conditions and assessed the programme’s performance across different districts.
Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to improve waste collection in markets, bazaars and commercial areas. She ordered the use of uniform dustbins and garbage bags in these locations.
Officials were also told to set fixed timings for waste collection from commercial areas. Major roads must be washed and cleaned by 5am.
The chief minister also ordered regular cleaning of vacant plots. Door-to-door waste collection should also be ensured across Punjab.
Timely Salaries for Sanitation Workers
Maryam Nawaz directed that Suthra Punjab workers receive their salaries by the fifth of every month. Relevant companies must submit monthly reports about salary payments.
Immediate action will be taken if workers face salary delays. The chief minister also ordered authorities to clear outstanding payments owed to contractors.
Additional Deputy Commissioners for Social Services will monitor cleanliness conditions across the province. Authorities must also address shortages of sanitation workers and mechanical equipment.
Cleanliness around schools, colleges, universities and hospitals will receive special attention. Parks and green belts must also remain free from bottles, juice cartons and other waste.
The government also wants better sanitation around railway tracks in urban areas. City entry and exit points must be cleaned daily and on time.
Fruit and vegetable markets will also receive greater attention under the programme.
Performance Monitoring to Be Strengthened
Deputy commissioners were directed to remain in regular contact with contractors and water and sanitation agency officials.
Field monitoring officers will receive uniform clothing. Their motorcycles will also carry standard branding for easier identification.
The chief minister ordered the development of standard operating procedures for performance assessment. These standards will cover everyone from sanitation workers to senior officers.
A zero-tolerance approach will apply to officials and workers who fail to perform their duties.
Contractors will receive 24 hours to improve their performance before penalties are imposed for SOP violations. However, the government said fines were not the main objective.
The primary goal is to maintain proper cleanliness across Punjab.
Suthra Punjab vehicles, waste containers and collection points must also be cleaned regularly. Streets and neighbourhoods should receive the same attention as major roads.
Maryam Nawaz said the Suthra Punjab Programme was very close to her heart. She added that further efforts were required to achieve stronger results.
During the meeting, officials appreciated cleanliness performance in Lahore, Khanewal, Okara, Attock, Kasur and Murree. Other areas also received positive feedback.
However, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sheikhupura and some other areas were directed to improve their performance.
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The chief minister has called another meeting after seven days. The meeting will review progress on the implementation of her latest directives.
