LAHORE: An evaluation by the Japan international Cooperative Agency (Jica) on Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) performance has graded agency’s outsourcing tasks ‘D’ and staff’s professional development and revenue collection ‘A’. According to the evaluation, Jica evaluated Wasa projects under set performance indicators and parameters.

The report, submitted by Jica advisory expert Yarai Sato, says the Wasa performance status was presented to Jica by Wasa Deputy Managing Director Jamshaid Butt.

During discussion with the representative and other Wasa officials, it emerged Wasa authorities would go for a third party participation to launch a comprehensive consumer survey to validate existing connections

“There are several unsolved issues in outsourcing. Therefore, the actions will be delayed,” the report reads, giving grade ‘D’ to the agency on this front.

On organisational and staffing efficiency and regular performance monitoring components, the tasks presented by Director (Admin) Muhammad Irfan and others, Jica found improving trends in these sections. The report mentions the agency got 10 biometric attendance machines installed and the work on installing 35 more was underway. It completed recruitment process at its academy taken over by the Urban Unit recently. Sixty-six other posts were filled and the proposals to introduce Human Resource Information System have been submitted.

“The impact of biometric system is evident from the efficient working of the offices. In-house training continues at the training centres and staff is contributing significantly towards development of GIS system and enhancement of revenue,” it reads, giving grade ‘A’ to the Wasa administration.

As for as the revenue efficiency improvement is concerned, Jica awarded grade ‘A’.

According to evaluation, Wasa’s bills delivery is 94 per cent whereas untraceable or duplicate bills ratio is six per cent.

“Wasa is ensuring 100 per cent bill delivery at the doorsteps of consumers and has increased its collection ratio from 80 to 86 per cent,” the report reads. Wasa Director Rana Tikka Khan presented the report to Jica team.

A senior official calls the report a good sign towards service delivery.

“As Wasa has been ignored and criticised by everyone, it is now improving its performance at a fast track. And we believe that the agency will serve the people more in an effective way,” the official added.

DENGUE: The City District Government of Lahore on Thursday completed dengue surveillance of 32,600 houses 11,147 open places.

“The dengue field teams also inspected 92 graveyards, 287 junkyards and 349 tyre shops besides 2,134 sensitive houses located in different areas of the city,” a CDGL’s spokesman in a statement.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2014