ISLAMABAD: The city managers on Monday decided to form neighbourhood committees to involve them in the supervision of cleanliness issues aimed at improving the sanitation system.

The civic agency is in the process of procuring new machinery, but the tendering process for outsourcing sanitation services is facing delay due to technical reasons. Therefore, the CDA took temporary decisions, including hiring new machinery and forming the neghbourhood committees.

Presiding over a meeting, CDA chief Mohammad Ali Randhawa directed for formation of neighborhood committees. The meeting also decided that “comprehensive cleanliness system should be devised for the immediate resolution of sanitation-related issues in the capital.”

The meeting decided to immediately fulfill the requirement for new machinery and manpower to improve secondary and primary collection across the city.

CDA plans to procure new machinery, but tendering process for outsourcing sanitation services faces delay due to technical reasons

The CDA chief said that special attention will be given to modern equipment, machinery, manpower and planning to solve sanitation problems.

The meeting was informed that the number of waste containers in urban and rural areas will be increased. The repair work on damaged waste containers installed in the city will also be carried out and the number of waste trolleys for sanitation will be increased. Similarly, dustbins will be installed across the city for waste disposal.

The chairman CDA directed that a three-bin system be ensured in commercial Markazs so that waste can be separated and recycled. He said that local traders should also be included in the cleanliness campaign in commercial Markazs and trade centres.

He directed that challans and fines be imposed against elements involved in littering in Markazs and commercial areas. He said that the Islamabad Food Authority should also take action against restaurants responsible for the waste.

The meeting decided formation of 24/7 control room to monitor the sanitation process in the city. Mr Randhawa directed that helpline numbers for resolving citizens’ complaints should be displayed on digital screens across the city for public awareness.

The meeting was briefed that the provision of wireless sets and new uniforms was being ensured for the field staff for quick response and it was also decided that the process of licensing and registration will be initiated for scavengers (individuals lifting garbage) in different areas.

The chairman said that these measures will bring significant improvement in the solid waste system of Islamabad and citizens will be able to have a clean environment.

Sources said that these were temporary arrangements till the opening of new tender for outsourcing.

Outsourcing of cleanliness service

It is relevant to note here that the CDA is in process of outsourcing cleanliness and waste disposal in both urban and rural areas of Islamabad.

Last month, it opened technical bids and two joint ventures (JVs) of local and international companies were in the race for contracts for cleanliness and waste disposal.

For Package I (urban areas), the CDA received bids from three joint ventures of national and international companies comprising Matracon–Kangjie (JV), NJC MMC–NCS Group–Imperial Ventures–Chongqing Endurance Co. (JV) and Waste Buster–Teknik–ZKB (JV).

Sources in the CDA said that the JV of Waste Buster, Teknik and ZKB was declared non-qualified.

For Package II (rural areas), three joint ventures — Waste Buster–Teknik–ZKB, NJC MMC & NCS Group–Imperial Ventures (Pvt.) Ltd. – Chongqing Endurance Co. Ltd. (JV) and Kangjie–KAPEC (JV) were in the race. Here too, the JV led by Waste Buster was declared non-qualified, leaving two JVs in contention for the contract.

The sources said that one of the companies had filed grievances against a foreign company and CDA through Foreign Office had approached the concerned country for verification of bidding documents.

“Verification of bidding documents from the foreign country is time taking process; therefore, we decided to go for temporary arrangements till the tender is opened,” said an official.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026