SARGODHA: Under the ‘Suthra Punjab Programme’, the Sargodha Waste Management Company (SWMC) has imposed fines exceeding Rs27 million on contractors operating in various tehsils across the division from April 16 to 30 due to poor sanitation arrangements, staff absenteeism, and other irregularities.

The information was shared during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan on Monday, which reviewed progress on the Suthra Punjab and clean drinking water initiatives.

The meeting was attended by deputy commissioners (DCs) of all four districts of the division, assistant commissioners, SWMC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rana Shahid Imran and other officials. It was informed that 23 serious violations of contract clauses had been identified. These included staff absence in the field, workers not wearing uniforms, negligence in cleanliness, garbage left unattended, failure to collect waste on time and delays in responding to public complaints.

Commissioner Awan said no negligence or slackness would be tolerated in addressing the critical issue of sanitation. He directed DCs to monitor the programme weekly and take immediate action on any violations.

He said that the purpose of the fines was not just financial penalty, but also to remind contractors of their responsibilities and encourage improved performance.

The commissioner further instructed the SWMC CEO to make the monitoring system more stringent and effective.

The meeting also reviewed the current status of water supply schemes and efforts to ensure the provision of clean drinking water to the public.

Those present included Sargodha DC Muhammad Waseem, Director of Development Bilal Hassan, Director of Local Government Asif Iqbal Malik, SWMC CEO Rana Shahid Imran and Municipal Corporation CEO Umar Farooq.

DCs of Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar -- Farwah Amir, Khalid Goraya and Muhammad Ashraf -- joined the meeting via video link.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2025