Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam on Friday directed the province’s seven Water and Sanitation Services Companies (WSSCs) to ensure payment of the government-notified minimum wage to all contingent employees while taking measures to reduce unnecessary expenditure and improve financial sustainability.
KP govt directs water, sanitation companies to cut costs, ensure minimum wages
PESHAWAR, Aug 21 (APP):Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam on Friday directed the province’s seven Water and Sanitation Services Companies (WSSCs) to ensure payment of the government-notified minimum wage to all contingent employees while taking measures to reduce unnecessary expenditure and improve financial sustainability.
The directives were issued at a meeting of the WSSCs chaired by the Finance Adviser here, said a release issued here.
The meeting reviewed the companies’ administrative and financial affairs, employee wages, audit reports, billing systems and issues affecting sewerage services.
Muzammil Aslam said no contingent employee should be paid less than the minimum wage announced by the provincial government, terming payment below the prescribed rate unfair to workers.
He said the Finance Department would provide additional funds required due to the increase in the minimum wage, but the companies would have to exercise strict control over their expenditures and maintain financial discipline.
The meeting directed all WSSCs to immediately share their external audit reports with the Finance Department to facilitate a comprehensive review of their financial affairs and strengthen transparency and accountability.
The finance adviser also directed WSSC Kohat and WSSC Swat to take immediate steps to curb unnecessary expenditure, while appreciating the measures taken by WSSC Peshawar to control its expenses.
The meeting decided to introduce separate billing services for commercial activities and shift the billing systems of all WSSCs online.
The finance adviser said online billing would improve transparency and efficiency besides reducing expenditure on manpower and stationery.
He also directed the companies to take effective action against encroachments affecting sewerage systems in coordination with district administrations and Tehsil Municipal Officers to ensure smooth functioning of drainage systems in urban areas.
Muzammil Aslam said the provincial government would continue reforms and other measures to make water and sanitation services more efficient, transparent and financially sustainable.
