RWMA vehicles in disrepair despite allocated budget

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Waste Management Authority (RWMA) vehicles, responsible for transporting garbage to the main dumping site, are facing operational issues, with some reportedly leaking decomposed waste and contaminated water during transit.

Sources said the fleet continues to operate with minimal maintenance despite annual allocations running into millions of rupees for vehicle upkeep.

The RWMA is reportedly spending around Rs380 million annually on vehicle maintenance, while more than 200 operational vehicles have fallen into a severely deteriorated condition, according to sources and workers.

Sources said the maintenance contract has been awarded to the same contractor for the past three consecutive years, raising questions over transparency and oversight.

Workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that many garbage collection vehicles frequently break down during duty and are often left stranded on city roads for hours before replacement vehicles arrive.

They added that maintenance is frequently delayed, with oil changes reportedly not carried out for months, while spare parts are allegedly missing or stolen in some cases.

Footage reviewed by HUM News English showed several vehicles in poor condition, including broken headlights, rusted bodies and makeshift repairs, with some drivers reportedly using ropes to secure steering components and doors.

In some instances, vehicles have reportedly caught fire while in operation, becoming a recurring issue in the fleet’s daily functioning, workers said.

“The condition of the vehicles is extremely poor. When a vehicle breaks down, we sometimes wait hours for another one to arrive,” a driver said on condition of anonymity.

Citizens have called for an inquiry into the expenditure and contracting process.

They also raised questions over the management of funds allocated for vehicle repair and maintenance, asking where the annual contract money is being spent.

Residents of Rawalpindi have urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to order an investigation into the matter.

RWMA officials did not respond to calls and messages seeking their version on the matter