ISLAMABAD: In a significant move, city managers have decided to expand cleanliness arrangements and garbage collection services to the rural areas of Islamabad.
Following the completion of the bidding process, a private firm has been awarded contracts for both packages, offering the lowest rates among the competing firms.
According to sources, Package-I encompasses areas such as Khana Pul, Tramri, Bani Gala, and Bhara Kahu, while package-II includes Tarnol, Shah Allah Ditta, and its surrounding regions.
The contracted firm will not only maintain cleanliness but also collect garbage from every household in these rural areas, mirroring the services provided by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in urban areas.
Noorul Amin Mengal, Chairman of the CDA, expressed his satisfaction with the outsourcing of cleanliness services in previously neglected rural areas.
He emphasized that this initiative would significantly enhance the quality of sanitation services in these parts, which have long been facing issues of unattended garbage.
Mengal stated that there should be no urban and rural divide in Islamabad, and the CDA is committed to providing basic facilities to the rural population.
He further revealed that in addition to the new garbage collection system, the CDA has allocated a special package of Rs. 10 billion for development works in rural areas.
The tendering process for the first phase involves development work worth over Rs. 2.5 billion, is nearing completion.
Under the project, the contractor will collect trash and garbage from households and transport it to a transfer station in sector I-11, and from there, the garbage will be transferred to a designated site in Rawalpindi.
It is worth noting that the project saw the participation of 3 firms for Package I and 4 firms for Package II in the bidding process.
Ultimately, the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, Amjad Ali.
Furthermore, the initial contract duration is six months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 2 years upon completion.
With this development, Islamabad is now divided into three zones for garbage collection and cleanliness.
The CDA’s staff will continue to handle these responsibilities in urban areas, while the contractor will take charge of the 2 packages covering the rural areas.
Source: DAWN
