Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique is leading the charge in the Chief Minister’s ‘Suthra Punjab Programme’, aimed at transforming the sanitation system in the province. Rafique announced that the program will be implemented in phases, with the next step focusing on making solid waste usable through recycling and segregation.
During a press conference at the DGPR, Rafique highlighted the success of the initial phase of the program but acknowledged the challenges faced in managing the massive amount of waste generated daily in Punjab. With over 127 million residents producing 57,500 tons of waste per day, the province is only able to dispose of a fraction of that amount, leading to a growing waste management crisis.
Rafique emphasized the importance of political determination, media support, and public participation in achieving the goals of the ‘Suthra Punjab Programme’. He stressed the need for modern technology and proper waste segregation to effectively address the sanitation issues in the province.
The minister also mentioned the government’s efforts to hold local government elections and extended Easter greetings to the Christian community, particularly the Christian staff of the Local Government Department.
With a focus on outsourcing cleaning services and implementing world-class technology for waste management, Rafique is optimistic about the future of sanitation in Punjab. As the program moves forward, stakeholders are encouraged to work together to make Punjab a clean province and Pakistan a beautiful country.