Pathanamthitta has got the distinction of becoming the State’s first municipality that has successfully executed a private-public partnership (PPP) waste disposal programme in a short span of three months.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of municipal chairman A. Sureshkumar, civic body staff and health workers, “waste is wealth” in the municipality.
The civic body has started earning revenue through the novel waste management programme, says Mr. Sureshkumar.
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The municipality had launched ‘My Town, Clean Town’ programme in association with the Thiruvalla-based Chris Global Traders (CGT) in November last. Mr. Sureshkumar conducted morning assemblies in all municipal wards to enlighten the people on the necessity to make the town free of waste.
Adopting a constructive role, the Opposition members in the municipal council too had joined the campaign, making it a big success, he said.
Mr. Sureshkumar said the civic body had taken a strong resolve to levy fine on litter bugs. The municipality had collected Rs.50,000 by way of spot fine, he said.
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Sharing revenue
Christopher M, CGT managing director, said his firm had spent Rs.30 lakh for installing an incinerator with scrubber unit, segregation sheds, and compost making units. The expenses incurred on waste transportation, wages of 38 workers, fuel, vehicle rent, etc, are being met by the company.
The company recycles the waste and sells it to various firms. It collects Rs.150 each from households, Rs.300 to Rs.7,000 from shops, Rs.15,000 from a major private hospital and the General Hospital in the town, Rs.350 to Rs.500 from banks and other establishments towards monthly waste removal fee.
Mr. Christopher said 10 per cent of the revenue goes to the municipality and that way, the company has been giving an average of Rs.30,000 a month to the civic body.