PESHAWAR: Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Akbar Ayub Khan on Wednesday handed over latest garbage disposal machinery to municipal authorities of Peshawar, Malakand and DI Khan.

According to a press statement issued here, the machinery was handed over in a ceremony held at Peshawar Development Authority’s Officers Club, Hayatabad. It was purchased under the Municipal Services Peshawar (MSP) – a USAID plan for water and sanitation companies of Peshawar, Swat, Upper Dir and Dera Ismail Khan.

The ceremony among others was attended by local government secretary Shakil Ahmad, special secretary Muhtasim Billah Shah, WSSP PD Engineer Ataullah and representatives of the USAID.

Addressing the ceremony, the minister said that efforts were underway to improve delivery of civic services of the local government department while additional funds were being allocated for provision of waste disposal machinery besides increasing budget of the department by 30 per cent.

He hoped that financial assistance from friendly countries would continue to improve sanitation and hygiene services, adding it would greatly impact the living standard of people.

Recalling efforts of the government to improve output of local governance and TMAs, Akbar Ayub said that recruitment of sanitation staff and provision of waste management machinery even at rural level would create awareness about benefits of cleanliness and proper hygiene.

He said that a plan was also afoot to set up cleanliness committees at village council level for ensuring rural hygiene and sanitation.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2021