Lahore residents have started receiving waste management bills from the Lahore Waste Management Company, but many say the very first bill already includes four months of charges along with a penalty for non-payment.
According to details, citizens were issued the sanitation bill for the first time, yet the amount included outstanding dues for the previous four months.
Residents have also complained that the bill does not clearly mention fixed monthly charges, adding to confusion over how the amount was calculated.
One citizen questioned why consumers were being asked to pay arrears and a fine when the bill had only just been delivered for the first time.
He said residents were willing to pay the sanitation fee, but the billing method should first be explained and a proper monthly billing structure should be set.
The issue has raised concerns among residents over transparency and the lack of clarity in the new billing system.
A spokesperson for the Lahore Waste Management Company said sanitation bills are being issued across Lahore in phases.
The spokesperson added that the company initially faced difficulties because accurate information was not available from residents at the start of the process.
According to the spokesperson, an application has now been developed with the help of the Punjab Information Technology Board to make bill distribution more transparent. Citizens with complaints have been advised to contact the Suthra Punjab helpline at 1139.