At least 19,572 tonnes of garbage were removed from various areas of the metropolis to be dumped at landfill sites in Jam Chakro and Gondpass during the first four days of the 15-day cleanliness campaign launched by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK). According to details, a total of 5,237 tonnes garbage was delivered at both landfill sites on the third day of campaign while 4,669 tonnes was received at the sites on the fourth day from various towns of the city. However, no garbage was delivered at these sites from Bin Qasim Town and neither other municipal services providers, including DHA, KPT, Port Qasim and Pakistan Railway, during the first four days of the ongoing campaign.
The city district government collected 2,350 tonnes waste from different corridors and major roads. Meanwhile, the CDGK Works and Services Department has also started removing banners, flags and wall chalking in the city in the light of data collected in a recent survey. Sindh Information Technology Minister Raza Haroon had directed town administration and city government to bring more improvement in lifting and disposal of garbage to landfill sites. While inspecting some major storm water drains in the city, including Gujjar Nullah, Orangi Nullah and Manzoor Colony Nullah, he directed the concerned officers to ensure cleaning of drains and shifting of garbage to landfill sites before the start of monsoon season.
The town administrators were strictly directed that swift lifting and disposal of garbage to landfill site within their areas be ensured. Those towns not having enough machinery or vehicles should make alternate arrangements but must refrain from dumping garbage in sewerage system or storm water drains and open places. The minister observed that ongoing cleanliness campaign had though got some improvement but still needed more progress. The civic bodies were ordered to make joint efforts so that overall sanitation conditions could improve further. He also directed continuing 24 hours cleanliness work at city government and town level by deputing staff on shift basis and appealed that citizens register their complaints on garbage dumping on 1339 so that immediate action can be taken.
