MARDAN: The Board of Directors (BoD) of Water and Sanitation Services Company Mardan (WSSCM) has decided to formally raise the issue of a shortage of sanitation staff with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, citing growing operational challenges linked to rising population and a shrinking workforce.
The decision was taken during the company’s 80th board meeting chaired by Chairman Engineer Adil Nawaz. Board members, senior administrative officials, and representatives from local government and finance departments attended the session, with some joining via video link.
Workforce decline amid rising demand
Officials informed the board that 216 employees have retired between 2016 and 2026, while Mardan’s population has increased by around 15% during the same period, placing additional pressure on sanitation services.
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It was noted that 679 workers were transferred from the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) to WSSCM in 2016 under the SAMA agreement, of whom a significant number have since retired. Additionally, 52 employees were identified as redundant and frequently absent, affecting service delivery.
Financial and administrative challenges
The board expressed concern over ongoing issues with TMA, stating that despite repeated requests, redundant employees have neither been reabsorbed nor have their salaries been reimbursed. This situation, officials said, is negatively impacting operational efficiency.
Participants also highlighted that funds allocated by the provincial government for salaries and operational costs remain insufficient, stressing the need for increased financial support.
Measures approved to improve performance
To address internal inefficiencies, the board approved strict action against non-performing staff, deciding that such employees would be returned to TMA. Any future reinstatement, it was decided, would require prior approval from the board.
Chairman Engineer Adil Nawaz directed officials to enhance revenue generation efforts and ensure monthly performance reviews. He also instructed departments to strictly implement austerity and fuel-saving measures in line with government directives and submit regular expenditure reports.
Focus on partnerships and service delivery
The board also reviewed existing agreements with partner institutions and encouraged expansion of collaborations with additional organizations to improve sanitation services in the city.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening operational capacity while addressing staffing and financial constraints through coordination with the provincial government.
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