RUSTY FLEET: Newly acquired ‘Suthra’ Punjab sanitation vehicles remain abandoned near the district courts complex in Rawalpindi, where prolonged exposure to inclement weather and alleged theft of parts have reportedly left several units in a state of disrepair. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI:
The newly procured sanitation vehicles under the ‘Suthra Punjab’ cleanliness initiative have reportedly been left exposed to the elements for the last one and a half years near the Pothohar City Office and Facilitation Center in the District Courts Complex, leading to significant deterioration and alleged theft of parts.
The vehicles, including loaders, carts, tractors and smaller utility vehicles, reportedly suffered rust damage and faded paint due to prolonged exposure to heavy rain and bright sunlight.
Local authorities and sources said the lack of security during the afternoon and evening hours had also led to the alleged theft of tires, spare parts and seats from several vehicles.
According to complaints, many of the vehicles are now on the verge of becoming unusable after being parked and unattended for an extended period. Despite repeated complaints, the relevant authorities allegedly took no action.
Complaints were also lodged with the Suthra Punjab Authority (SPA), but concerns regarding the safety and maintenance of the vehicles reportedly remained unresolved.
Sources claimed that groups frequenting the court area after sunset had started stealing spare parts from parked vehicles.
Pothohar city administration officials stated that the vehicles did not belong to their department and were simply stored next to their offices.
Meanwhile, the SPA said the vehicles would come into operational use from the new fiscal year starting in July and would be deployed across the Rawalpindi Division wherever required.
Authorities maintained that the vehicles exceeded the needs in the city of Rawalpindi and had therefore been parked there temporarily.
