CHITRAL: The Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) officials and workers in Chitral have been unpaid since long which has created financial problems to them.
The TMA officials are on the frontline since the outbreak of coronavirus in Chitral and they are working day in and day out to protect the people from the disease. The responsibility of spraying disinfectants from Lowari Tunnel to Chitral and Drosh quarantine centres, public places, mosques, hospitals and bazaars has been given to the TMA officials. Besides spraying the disinfectants, the TMA officials are also looking after the sanitation of these places.
The Rescue 1122 and TMA staff has also distributed sanitizers and gloves among the people to protect them from the virus. Under the supervision of Tehsil Municipal Officer (TMO) Misbahuddin, the TMA officials have also placed water tanks and soaps at Lowari Tunnel, Bradam, Drosh and other areas so that people could wash their hands and remain safe from the disease and also keep others safe. The only prevention from COVID-19 is ensuring cleanliness and social distancing and the TMA staff is working tirelessly to make sure that the situation remains under control.
An official of the TMA Chitral said while talking to this scribe that they work the whole day and also go to the quarantine centres for cleaning and disinfectant spray. He said the TMA officials are at great risk of contracting the virus as they are exposed to a dangerous situation. He said the TMA officials are performing the difficult job during coronavirus lockdown and they always remain vulnerable to the disease, but still they are not paid salaries for the last three months.
The TMA official said about 150 members of the staff have not been paid salaries and they have no money to buy ration for their family during the holy month of Ramazan. The TMA officials have demanded the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to ensure payment of three-month salary to them so that they could arrange proper food for their families during Ramazan and new clothes for children for Eid.
