Karachi: Sindh’s Minister for Local Government chaired a high-level steering committee meeting, where officials approved salary increases for contract employees and advanced plans for sustainable urban waste management.
The fifth steering committee meeting of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board brought together top officials, including the Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro, and Mirpurkhas Mayor Abdul Rauf. Secretaries, additional commissioners, and board executives also participated, with some members joining via video link.
Budget Review and Committee Approvals
The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the fourth steering committee session, formally signed by all members. Progress on the revised budget instructions issued in previous meetings was also discussed, reflecting ongoing oversight and financial planning.
Minister Shah emphasized the need to establish technical and qualified positions for the modern General Tax System (GTS). He directed the formation of a subcommittee to draft a detailed proposal for discussion in the next session.
Sustainable Waste Management Initiatives
Officials debated plans to implement a self-sustaining system for sanitation services, where fees in residential and commercial areas would be assessed according to property size. Two to three pilot projects for fee collection were reviewed.
The committee also discussed initiatives to recycle waste at modern GTS and engineered landfill sites, reducing environmental pollution while earning carbon credits. Minister Shah instructed officials to incorporate Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s suggestions into a more comprehensive proposal for the next meeting.
Office Relocation and Employee Welfare
The meeting further approved relocating Sindh Solid Waste Management Board offices to new premises. Crucially, the committee sanctioned salary increases for contract employees. Minister Shah also issued clear directives to ensure that all private companies comply with minimum wage regulations under the Sindh government.
Strengthening Monitoring and Public Relief
Concluding the session, Minister Shah stressed that Sindh Solid Waste Management must enhance its monitoring systems across all districts to provide maximum relief and services to the public.
