Rs21b 'Suthra Punjab' project stalls
No effective waste management framework has been introduced in the past five months. photos: express
The ambitious "Suthra Punjab Program," launched to overhaul sanitation services in Dera Ghazi Khan Division, has come under heavy criticism for its failure to deliver on promises, despite an annual expenditure of Rs21 billion.
Five months after a four-year, Rs84 billion contract was awarded to a private firm for providing sanitation services across 12 tehsils in five districts, no effective waste management framework or essential machinery has been introduced.
The lack of infrastructure and planning has led to garbage being dumped in open fields rather than designated sites, with dust storms further scattering waste into nearby agricultural areas. Affected regions include Choti, Paighah, Chak Barmani, Chak Buzdar, Taunsa, and others.
Public frustration is mounting.
Residents such as Dr Abbas Khan Barmani, Ghulam Abbas Gorchani, and Muhammad Bilal voiced their grievances to The Express Tribune, lamenting that the Board of Directors (BoDs) of the DG Khan Waste Management Company lacks the authority to enforce any meaningful action.
"All powers rest with the Chief Officer," said one resident, calling on higher authorities to intervene.
Member of the Provincial Assembly Sardar Mehmood Qadir Khan Leghari questioned the accountability mechanisms of the program.
"Why are billions being paid to a contractor who is also using government machinery, and why is no one ensuring compliance with the contract's SOPs?" he asked, urging Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to take immediate notice.
DG Khan Waste Management Company CEO Rana Muhammad Shahid Nadeem, who took charge two weeks ago, acknowledged the problems and pledged improvements.
"Proper sanitation can only be ensured once sewerage and road infrastructure are upgraded in the initial phase," he stated.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid highlighted that, for the first time, sanitation work has extended to rural villages and sanitation staff is active in the field. However, he admitted that proper dumping points have yet to be established.
He assured that designated dumping sites would be identified and improvements made in accordance with the Chief Minister's vision.
Following widespread complaints, Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq visited DG Khan and chaired a review meeting at the Commissioner's Office.
Attended by local lawmakers, Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry, and officials via video link, the meeting revealed widespread dissatisfaction with company's performance.
Minister Rafiq criticised the company for failing to deploy the full workforce and machinery as per the agreement, and for unauthorised deductions from sanitation staff salaries.
"Most of the complaints received by the chief minister are related to the private firm's poor execution," he said, warning that the contract could be cancelled if improvements are not made immediately.
Reaffirming the government's intent, the minister said, "The chief minister launched the Suthra Punjab programme to ensure quality sanitation across cities and villages alike. We must work together to make this initiative successful."
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