Key Takeaways
- Residents in Basti Umarpuri, Adda Chakrala, and nearby areas accuse sanitation workers of collecting monthly fees without issuing bills.
- A resident reported an aggressive worker who threatened him when he refused to pay without proper documentation.
- Suthra Punjab Programme District In-Charge Rao Khalil denies workers’ right to collect cash directly.
Residents in several areas of Punjab have accused sanitation workers associated with the Suthra Punjab initiative of collecting monthly fees for sanitation services without issuing official bills or receipts. The complaints, raised by residents of Basti Umarpuri, Adda Chakrala, and nearby localities, highlight a growing concern over transparency and accountability in service delivery.
According to Mian Abdul Aziz, a resident who spoke with ProPakistani, workers demanded Rs. 200 as a monthly sanitation fee from residents. When he requested an official bill or receipt, the worker allegedly became aggressive, threatening Mr. Aziz and snatching his mobile phone when he attempted to record the incident.
The complaints extend beyond just the collection of fees; residents also alleged that no official garbage bins or waste collection drums had been provided in their areas despite the monthly charges being collected. This has raised questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the Suthra Punjab programme.
In response to these allegations, Rao Khalil, the District In-Charge of the Suthra Punjab Programme, clarified that workers are not authorized to collect cash from residents without issuing an official bill or receipt. He stated that sanitation charges must be collected through the department’s approved billing system and direct cash collection without proper documentation is prohibited.
Rao Khalil further emphasized that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any worker found violating departmental procedures, indicating a commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in service delivery.
Residents have urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the deputy commissioner, and other relevant authorities to order a transparent investigation into these allegations. They are calling for immediate legal action against anyone found responsible for the alleged misconduct.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring that public services are delivered efficiently and fairly. While the Suthra Punjab programme aims to improve sanitation standards across Punjab, the current complaints suggest that there may be gaps in its implementation and oversight.
Workers are not authorized to collect cash from residents without issuing an official bill or receipt.
Rao Khalil, Suthra Punjab Programme District In-Charge
