The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has successfully conducted a series of data-centric training sessions to help Waste Management Companies (WMCs) and contractors across Punjab leverage the full potential of the Suthra Punjab Dashboard & Mobile Application. The initiative, aimed at improving the province’s waste management efficiency through advanced IT solutions, was rolled out across key districts, including Lahore, Sialkot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala.
The training sessions, led by PITB Senior Program Manager Mariam Zaib and Assistant Program Officer Danial Arshad, focused on equipping over 120 employees and contractors with the knowledge required to utilize the IT-based monitoring and evaluation system embedded within the Suthra Punjab platform. These systems are powered by real-time data, providing granular insights into solid waste management, human resource allocation, and complaint management, all of which play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery across the province.
The sessions provided a deep dive into critical modules of the dashboard:
- Human Resource Management System (HRMS) – The HRMS module utilizes data to track staffing levels, optimize workforce deployment, and ensure that resources are aligned with operational requirements.
- Solid Waste Management Module – This module offers a comprehensive view of waste collection and disposal operations, incorporating geographic and temporal data to improve waste collection routes, reduce operational costs, and minimize environmental impact.
- Complaint Management System (CMS) – Data-driven insights from the CMS enable swift response to citizen complaints, helping authorities track and resolve waste-related issues in real time.
According to PITB, these digital tools are designed not only to streamline operations but also to improve service accountability and transparency through data reporting and analytics. The platform’s data capabilities allow for real-time tracking of performance metrics, waste collection efficiency, and service coverage, ensuring that local authorities can identify operational bottlenecks and address them promptly.
The training sessions also included practical demonstrations on data collection, real-time reporting, and performance monitoring through the Suthra Punjab Dashboard, which consolidates data from multiple sources, ensuring that decision-makers have access to up-to-date, actionable information.
The interactive Q&A segments provided an opportunity for participants, including MIS Managers from various WMCs, to discuss system functionalities, share use cases, and seek clarification on best practices for utilizing data to improve waste management outcomes. The emphasis was placed on data-driven decision-making, with PITB encouraging participants to adopt the system for improved data reporting, resource allocation, and overall service efficiency.
In his address, PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf emphasized the importance of the data-driven approach in transforming Punjab’s waste management operations:
“This training reflects PITB’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in waste management through real-time data. With the Suthra Punjab Dashboard, we are not just collecting data but leveraging it to drive smarter, faster decisions that can lead to a cleaner, more sustainable environment for the people of Punjab.”
The training sessions are part of a broader effort to integrate modern technology into the waste management sector, ensuring that the Suthra Punjab Initiative—which aims to improve cleanliness and sustainability—remains on track. By enabling WMCs to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time, PITB hopes to significantly improve the province’s ability to manage waste efficiently, respond to public concerns swiftly, and provide better urban sanitation services through data-driven insights.
