Secretary Local Government conducts surprise visit to Mardan, Nowshera; orders action over sanitation lapses

MARDAN: Acting on the directives of the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and decisions of the provincial cabinet, Secretary Local Government Zafar ul Islam conducted surprise visits to Mardan and Nowshera to review ongoing development and sanitation projects.

During his visit to Rashakai Bazaar in Nowshera, the Secretary expressed serious displeasure over unsatisfactory sanitation arrangements and sought an explanation from the Town Municipal Officer (TMO) Nowshera. He also directed the Secretary Local Council Board to initiate disciplinary action against the TMO over the negligence.

In Mardan, the Secretary inspected Zamong Park, where he reviewed existing facilities and directed that the park’s 65 kanals of land be utilized effectively. He also visited Amir Muhammad Khan Park (MDA) and instructed the authorities concerned to make the park fully functional at the earliest.

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Expressing serious concern over the presence of stray dogs in Sheikh Maltoon Town, Mardan, the Secretary directed the project director to remove the animals from residential areas within three days, warning that strict action would be taken in case of non-compliance.

Reviewing the overall cleanliness situation in Mardan city, the Secretary expressed satisfaction with sanitation arrangements in several areas. He also inspected the sewerage treatment plant being constructed with the support of the Asian Development Bank, emphasizing the use of high-quality construction materials and directing that the project be completed within the stipulated timeframe, warning that no negligence would be tolerated.

The Secretary further directed that construction work on the Water and Sanitation Services Company Mardan (WSSCM) office building be expedited and ordered its completion by February 8, cautioning that strict action would follow any delay.

He stated that similar surprise inspections would be carried out in other districts of the province and directed all institutions under the Local Government Department to improve performance and ensure maximum service delivery to the public.

The Secretary also expressed displeasure over poor sanitation conditions along the Mardan Ring Road and instructed the Assistant Director Local Government to improve cleanliness within three days, adding that he would soon revisit Mardan and Nowshera to review progress.