KP WSSPs asked to pay minimum wages to workers

In a meeting chaired by Muzzammil Aslam, the KP Finance Advisor, all seven Water and Sanitation Services Companies (WSSPs) operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were instructed to pay employees the recently announced minimum wage. During the discussion at the Finance Department's Committee Room, various aspects of the companies' operations were examined, including administrative matters, financial status, expenditure reduction, worker wages, audit reports, billing systems, and challenges facing drainage and sewerage systems.

Muzzammil emphasized that all contingent employees working in the WSSPs across the province must be compensated with the minimum wage set by the provincial government. He assured that the additional funds needed due to the wage increase would be provided by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department. However, he stressed that the companies must exercise strict control over their expenditures and maintain financial discipline.

The meeting also decided that the WSSPs operating in Kohat and Swat should take immediate steps to minimize unnecessary expenditures. The Peshawar WSSP's efforts to control its expenses were acknowledged. Furthermore, the meeting approved the introduction of separate billing services for commercial activities by the WSSPs, with the goal of shifting all billing systems to an online platform.

Muzzammil explained that online billing would enhance transparency, efficiency, and significantly decrease the expenditure on manpower and stationery costs. He directed that stringent action should be taken against any encroachments affecting drainage systems, and a collaborative approach with district administrations and Tehsil Municipal Officers (TMOs) should be adopted to ensure the smooth functioning of urban drainage systems.