Summary
- GUJRAT: The performance of the Gujranwala Waste Management Company (GWMC) in Gujrat has come under serious scrutiny, with residents complaining of poor sanitation, irregular garbage collection and alleged demands for money by sanitation workers.
- Residents have called for verification of staff attendance, monitoring of garbage collection routes and investigation into complaints of workers demanding money from households.
- CEO GWMC Abdul Razzaq Dogar was contacted for his comments on the allegations concerning garbage collection, staff attendance, sanitation standards and alleged private duties, but no response was received till the filing of this report.
GUJRAT: The performance of the Gujranwala Waste Management Company (GWMC) in Gujrat has come under serious scrutiny, with residents complaining of poor sanitation, irregular garbage collection and alleged demands for money by sanitation workers.
Residents in several areas said garbage remained scattered on streets and at public places despite GWMC’s operations under the Suthra Punjab programme. They questioned the effectiveness of the company’s monitoring and supervision system.
Some citizens alleged that sanitation workers demanded money from households for collecting garbage. They said the practice was adding to public frustration and warranted an inquiry by the company and relevant authorities.
Residents also complained that waste remained uncleared at streets, markets and public places for extended periods, while routine sanitation in residential areas remained inadequate.
Sources familiar with the company’s operations alleged that some employees remained absent from their assigned duties while continuing to draw salaries. They also alleged that certain GWMC employees were performing private duties at the residences or compounds of influential individuals during official working hours.
The allegations raise questions about staff attendance, field monitoring and accountability within the company.
The issue has also brought renewed attention to the transfer of sanitation workers from municipal committees to GWMC under the Suthra Punjab programme. Many of these employees had previously been working in their respective municipal committees before being brought under the waste management company.
Residents and local observers said transferring staff alone could not improve sanitation without effective attendance checks, field supervision and performance evaluation.
Some citizens further alleged that garbage collection was more visible during official inspections or visits, while routine cleanliness remained poor. They said the actual performance of the system should be judged by the daily condition of ordinary streets, markets and public places rather than selected cleaned locations.
Residents have called for verification of staff attendance, monitoring of garbage collection routes and investigation into complaints of workers demanding money from households. They also urged action against employees found absent from duty or engaged in unauthorised private work.
The complaints raise questions over the effectiveness of GWMC’s supervisory mechanism at a time when the Suthra Punjab programme is aimed at improving waste management and cleanliness across Punjab.
CEO GWMC Abdul Razzaq Dogar was contacted for his comments on the allegations concerning garbage collection, staff attendance, sanitation standards and alleged private duties, but no response was received till the filing of this report.
