Two years on, Sindh Solid Waste Management Board fails to deliver on its promises

Despite passing of two years and spending funds of million of rupees, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board seems to have failed to fulfil its primary responsibility – keeping the province clean.

The board is responsible for picking up waste and its proper disposal, however, it seems that all the plans and projects exist on paper, seeing zero implementation.

Geo News talked to city deputy mayor Arshad Vohra and asked about the dismal state of waste management in the province.

“There exists no solid waste management mechanism,” said Vohra, adding that Karachi’s waste management board should be separate.

Vohra said that he had earlier requested the higher authorities including Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah and provincial minister Jam Khan Shoro to provide a ‘one-time package’ for waste management.

He said that to clear backlog of garbage, more finances, vehicles and manpower would be required.

It’s not a really big issue for the provincial authority, he said, adding that it is however a major issue for the public.

Karachi, the country's largest metropolis, produces over 12,000 tonnes of garbage every day. Of this, only 4,000 tonnes end up at landfill sites while the rest is burnt at empty plots, grounds, parks, and roadsides. 

Shortly after assuming the office, CM Murad Ali Shah expressed his displeasure over the dire state of cleanliness in the city. He also gave deadlines to the local administration for cleaning up of the city, but – so far – to no avail.