by ANSAR M BHATTI

ISLAMABAD, AUG 26 (DNA)- Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz has disclosed that the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) is in the process of outsourcing the solid waste management system with a view to improving cleanliness situation in the Federal Capital and its suburban areas.

He made this announcement during an interview with DNA on Monday.

The Mayor further said, the MCI has already called tenders in this regard and a decision is likely to be made within next few weeks.

He said both local and foreign companies shall be able to bid for the contract. He made it clear that the bidding process shall be conducted in a transparent manner.

The Mayor further said the decision to outsource solid waste management system has been taken in order to ensure proper cleanliness of the Capital. Currently, the MCI staff is responsible for the waste management.

To a question about cleanliness in the diplomatic enclave and carpeting of roads, the Mayor said, ostensibly the cleanliness of the diplomatic enclave appears at the top of the MCI agenda and many steps have already been taken in this regard.

Regarding dilapidated roads where foreign missions are located, the Mayor said he had already issued necessary instructions in this regard.

He on the occasion urged especially the diplomatic missions to write to him in case of any complaints whatsoever for early resolution.

He pointed out the foreign missions and general public also were still resorting to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for resolution of their problems.

As a matter of fact, the CDA now has nothing to do with such issues therefore all such queries and complaints should be directed to MCI proper resolution.

To a yet another question about development work, the Mayor admitted that development work was still in limbo in some cases because of a tug of war between MCI and CDA.

MCI he said has sufficient funds for such works but CDA wants these funds to be utilized through it, thus causing unnecessary delays.

Regarding tree plantation drive, he said the MCI had already planted hundreds of samplings while drive in this regard was still continuing.

He said MCI would continue its efforts towards a clean and green Pakistan adding his department was ready to join hands with even private organizations in this regards. =DNA

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