RUSTING FLEET: Newly acquired ‘Suthra’ Punjab sanitary vehicles remain abandoned near the District Courts complex in Rawalpindi, where prolonged exposure to harsh weather and alleged theft of parts have reportedly pushed several units towards dilapidation. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
RAWALPINDI:
Newly acquired sanitary vehicles under the “Suthra Punjab” cleanliness initiative have reportedly been left in the open for the past one and a half years near the Pothohar Town office and Facilitation Center at the District Court complex, resulting in considerable deterioration and alleged theft of parts.
The vehicles – including loaders, trolleys, tractors and small utility vehicles – have reportedly suffered rust damage and fading paint due to prolonged exposure to heavy rain and intense sunlight.
Officials and local sources said the lack of security during the evening and night hours had also led to the alleged theft of tyres, spare parts and seats from several vehicles.
According to complaints, many of the vehicles are now close to being unusable after being parked and unattended for a long period of time. Despite repeated complaints, the relevant authorities allegedly failed to act.
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 the parked vehicles.
Officials of the Pothohar Town administration stated that the vehicles did not belong to their department and had merely been stored next to their offices.
Meanwhile, the SPA said the vehicles would be commissioned from the new financial year beginning in July and deployed across the Rawalpindi division where required.
Authorities maintained that the vehicles were currently surplus to the requirements of Rawalpindi city and had therefore been parked at the site temporarily.
