Punjab government has planed to sell out the solid waste through open auction for recycling and its better utilisation to generate energy as well as other useful items. Regulations have been framed for this purpose for very first time in Punjab.
Secretary Local government Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has said that amendments have been made in Punjab Local Government Property Rules 2003 and Clause No 17 has been added to regulate the auction of solid waste in the province. Copies of amended rules have been dispatched to all Commissioners, DCOs and TMOs, he added.
According to amended Punjab local government property rules, concerned district government and TMAs shall sell out solid waste in their jurisdictions through open auction. The maximum period for the sale of solid waste shall be 20 years, which shall be divided into at least three stages, the initial sale period shall not be more than 10 years, told Secretary Local Government. The contractor shall be responsible for the safe recycling, treatment and disposal processes of the solid waste after collection from the concerned district government/TMA and he shall follow all laws, rules, regulations, byelaws and other mandatory requirements, such as the relevant local government and environmental approvals, disclosed Secretary Local Government.
He said that the contractor shall take adequate measures to minimise the possible pollution of air, water and soil. District government and TMAs shall not auction the inflammable, explosive, radioactive and all kind of hazardous waste.
A committee headed by the concerned DCO and comprising the EDO Municipal Services, TMO and TO (I&S) and District Excise and Taxation Officer shall conduct the auction of solid waste and forward the recommendations to Zila/Tehsil Council for confirmation or rejection of the auction.
The committee shall fix reserve price and every bidder shall deposit 10 percent of the reserve price as earnest money in the fund of local government, which will be retained by the local government as security of a successful bidder. The auction price for the first year shall be deposited by the successful bidder in advance within 10 days of the confirmation and he will continue to deposit price in advance on each subsequent year till the completion of his agreement.
Secretary Local Government further said that the employees, agents and contractors of the local government might visit or inspect facilities of the contractor established for recycling, treatment and disposal process of the solid waste. The local government may conduct a third party audit of the solid waste recycling, treatment and disposal process facilities of the contractor on annual or biannual basis, he added.