Lahore: An orientation session for the Board of Directors of Waste Management Companies in Punjab was held by the Urban Unit at the Planning & Development Department Auditorium, on the directions of the Chief Secretary Punjab. The session was attended by representatives from Waste Management Companies of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Rawalpindi.
The concept of integrated solid waste management systems in large cities, financial management of the companies, procurement management, strategic planning and Services and Asset Management Agreement (SAAMA) were discussed in detail for better understanding of the board members of participating companies. Furthermore, audits and accounts, human resource management and Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules 2013 also came under discussion during the orientation session. In addition to CEO Urban Unit Dr. Nasir Javed, Urban Unit BoD member and ex-Chairman LESCO Rafay Alam, Ather Mansoor and Secretary Local Government & Community Development Department Sara Aslam were also present on the occasion.
While giving his comments, CEO Urban Unit said, “An integrated system of solid waste management in large cities is the key to sustainable development. The need of the hour is that we focus on capacity building and strengthening the internal systems of already established waste management companies in large cities of Punjab so that the requirements of the rapidly urbanizing cities can be met satisfactorily”.
Speaking to the media, Secretary Local Government & Community Development Department Sara Aslam said, “The role of the Urban Unit in introducing and strengthening the concept and capacities of waste management companies in Punjab is commendable. Its patronage and visionary leading role has already brought improvement in the solid waste management sector of the province”.