Modern Cleaning Machinery to Be Manufactured Locally in Punjab: Minister

By muhammad Shahzad
Lahore: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has announced that modern cleaning machinery currently used in Turkey will now be produced locally in the province.
Presiding over a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the minister directed officials to prepare detailed proposals and complete the necessary study by March for local manufacturing of small vacuum sweepers and tractor-towed sweepers.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Arshad Baig, Director General Suthra Punjab Authority Babar Sahib Din, and Additional Secretary Ahmer Sohail Kaifi.
Minister Zeeshan Rafique said the establishment of the Suthra Punjab Authority is a major step toward transforming waste into value. He stated that 15 MW of electricity can be generated at Lahore’s Lakhoder landfill site using generators, with potential for gradual increase in production.
He further revealed that an MoU will be signed with Pak Suzuki Company for the production of biofuel from animal offal. The minister emphasized that organic fertilizer will also be produced from municipal waste through proper segregation.
Highlighting the public-private partnership model, he described Suthra Punjab as a successful example that will strengthen cleaning operations while boosting the local economy through domestic manufacturing.
Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian directed swift completion of the transition process for the Suthra Punjab Authority and stressed greater private sector involvement in waste-to-value projects. He added that the province is making rapid progress toward earning carbon credits, with positive developments expected soon.