LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday ordered that Suthra Punjab workers be paid their salaries by the fifth of every month.
The CM directed that strict and immediate legal action would be taken against companies that fail to make timely payments to Suthra Punjab workers.
Following her instructions, salaries have been paid to 149 out of 151 Suthra Punjab workers, while immediate legal action has been ordered against the relevant company over non-payment to workers in Rajanpur’s Rojhan and Layyah’s Chowbara.
The chief minister directed authorities to take the strictest action against negligence, mismanagement and irregularities in cleanliness operations across Punjab.
She ordered that residents and commercial establishments maintaining cleanliness throughout the month be recognised with an “Environment-Friendly Citizen” sticker, along with a gift or certificate from the chief minister.
Maryam Nawaz directed the managing directors of WASAs to spend at least two hours in the field every day to personally monitor sanitation and drainage operations.
TMO and FMO officials were also instructed to visit at least five union councils daily and review cleanliness arrangements.
She further ordered the activation of Suthra Punjab Anti-Littering Squads at every divisional headquarters. Equipped with electric bikes, the squads will monitor roads, streets, neighbourhoods and markets to prevent littering.
The chief minister also made it mandatory for Suthra Punjab workers to carry garbage bags, following the model adopted in Murree.
Taking serious notice of reports concerning staff and worker absenteeism in urban and rural areas, Maryam ordered strict action against those found negligent.
She directed authorities to ensure the cleaning of vacant plots along streets and roads and ordered regular cleaning of waste enclosures, along with repairs to damaged walls and doors.
She also instructed officials to ensure that mechanical sweepers remain operational and are inspected daily.
For improved drainage, the chief minister ordered the continuation of desilting operations and directed authorities to resolve public complaints regarding sanitation without delay.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered the setting of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the managing director of Suthra Punjab, FMOs and TMOs.
She said poor performance in Suthra Punjab would affect future postings, adding that the managing director would not be given another posting for three years in case of poor performance.
The chief minister said she would personally monitor the performance reports of Suthra Punjab companies in every city.
“Corruption and negligence in Suthra Punjab operations will not be tolerated,” Maryam said, adding that waste-filled enclosures on major roads were unacceptable.
She stressed that the cleanliness operation should show improvement every day and warned officials against drawing salaries while remaining confined to offices.
“Suthra Punjab is a valuable programme aimed at providing public facilities, cleanliness and social services,” she said.
