The citizens have urged the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to make proper arrangements for disposal of waste as roads and streets especially in front of different markets are presenting an ugly look.
Capital city with a population of about 1.67 million is known for its cleanliness and greenery but with the passage of time and continuous sit-ins and protests have badly disrupted its beauty.
There is a need to adopt pro-active approach to meet all such conditions despite the fact that sit-ins and protests have not only hampered the capital’s beauty but harmed the businesses as well.
The proper system for the disposal of waste is a big issue that demands proper attention by the civic body.
Muhammad Kamran, a resident of G-6, suggested that the civic body should use latest machinery in order to cater the problem of waste management. He said that Islamabad is the only planned city of the country and it should be kept neat and tidy while using modern techniques to preserve its beauty.
Another resident of Aabpara, Idrees Shah, said that the volume of waste has now swelled as the population has increased in the city.
“We have lodged complaints many times with the CDA, but action is yet awaited to stop dumping of waste around our residences,” he added.
According to a report, the capital generates a waste of about 650 tonnes per day while around 250 tonnes remains in trash bins or garbage trolleys that prove to be a hotbed for several diseases.
Health experts said sanitary workers and scavengers, particularly children, collecting garbage were at high risk of contracting diseases.
When contacted the civic body, an official of the CDA apprised that the authority has an efficient mechanism for garbage collection; however admitted that there were some shortcomings in its disposal mechanism.
Recently, he said, the CDA decided to purchase latest machinery to meet international standards of cleanliness which is not less than a challenge. He admitted that without the use of latest equipments to collect waste, it was almost impossible for the CDA to meet this problem.
During a recent cleanliness operation, the CDA collected 30 tonnes of garbage from Kashmir Highway, Aabpara Chowk, Aabpara Market, Khyabaan-e-Soharwardi, Municipal Road and other adjoining areas, official said and added that the problem would soon be solved as the civic body is fully aware of the situation.