ISLAMABAD: Solid waste management remains a persistent challenge for citizens in Multan. However, the Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC) claimed that they took steps to keep the city clean and green. Factors such as mounting population pressure, urban expansion, citizen apathy, and limited resources contribute to the ongoing issue, which poses significant challenges to both human health and the environment.
MWMC Chairman Mian Rashid Iqbal acknowledges the complexity of effective waste management, stating, “As populations grow and urbanization intensifies, effective solid waste management becomes increasingly complex.”
He emphasizes that there seems to be no end in sight to the escalating volume of solid waste piling up each passing day. However, he adds, “Despite limited resources, we endeavor to keep the city’s arteries, cross-sections, and residential areas clean.”
Nevertheless, the company faces significant challenges, including shortages of finances, manpower, and machinery. Iqbal notes that MWMC has only 1900 sanitary workers to cover 68 urban union councils, which falls short of the minimum requirement of 3000 workers. He adds that sometimes the company has to borrow money to continue its operations.
MWMC CEO Shahid Yaqoob is more optimistic about the future prospects of a cleaner environment in Multan. He highlights recent acquisitions of modern equipment, including over 100 loader rickshaws, 300 handcarts, 11 loaders, 11 trolleys, 310 containers, and vacuum sweepers, as steps toward improving waste management practices.
Yaqoob states, “We are trying to implement a comprehensive waste collection system by upgrading to modern techniques to mitigate pollution and reduce strain on land resources.”
Health professionals highlighted the severe health risks associated with improper waste disposal. Dr. Zulqarnain Haider, a gastroenterologist, warns that irregular waste disposal in residential areas causes illnesses, particularly for those living within close proximity. He emphasizes that people living in dirty areas are more prone to diseases like malaria, dengue, asthma, and allergies.
At a time when MWMC can only collect 70 percent of the total waste generated daily, the situation presents a grim picture, underscoring the need for authorities to allocate more resources to address this pressing issue and ensure a healthier environment for the people of Multan.
