The overflowing garbage on Quetta’s roads presents a significant challenge for the city. These piles of waste not only pollute the environment but also contribute to the spread of disease. Solid waste management is one of the biggest challenge with every citizen of the city has been battling with. Solid waste management is one of the biggest problems that affect each and every one of us, from the bustling streets to the quiet corners of our homes. But there’s hope on the horizon. With the recent appointment of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, there’s a renewed focus on cleaning up the capital city. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated. Garbage filled roads not only deface and mar the natural beauty of Quetta but also pose serious health hazards, spreading pollution and diseases. Imagine stepping out of your house only to be greeted by piles of trash is a punishment no citizen should endure.
Mercifully, action is being taken. A 24 hour cleaning campaign is underway, aiming to remove a staggering 150000 tons of solid waste from Quetta. Under the directive of Chief Minister Bugti, the Metropolitan Corporation is tirelessly working to collect 1600 to 1700 tons of garbage daily. It’s a daunting task, made even more challenging by the two month deadline set by the Chief Minister. But challenges aside, we must acknowledge the importance of citizen participation. If the government is shouldering the responsibility of cleaning our city, then we, as responsible citizens, must lend our support to this noble cause. After all, it’s our collective duty to ensure a clean and healthy environment for ourselves and future generations.
Until now, the enormity of the task at hand cannot be ignored. Despite the growing population of Quetta, the sanitation staff remains alarmingly insufficient. In 1988, there were 978 workers for a population of 4,00,000. Fast forward to 2023, with a registered population of 2.5 million, and the number remains the same. It begs the question. Why has not there been an increase in staff recruitment since 2007? Why has machinery not been updated since 1994? The Metropolitan Corporation Quetta (MCQ) finds itself in a dire situation. With an extended jurisdiction covering 3,500 square kilometers, but limited funds and resources, the task of maintaining cleanliness seems Herculean. Machinery such as water bowsers, excavators, and cranes are sorely lacking, making the job even more challenging.
To bring Quetta up to international standards, drastic measures are needed. It’s estimated that 5000 human resources, along with essential machinery, are required to achieve this goal. But this isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about ensuring a better quality of life for all Quetta residents. Long term planning is crucial. We cannot rely solely on emergency measures to tackle this issue. It’s time for comprehensive strategies that address both immediate needs and future challenges. Quetta deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with cities like Karachi and Lahore when it comes to cleanliness and sanitation. Let’s rally together, government and citizens alike, to clean up our city. Let’s demand the resources and support needed to make Quetta a shining example of cleanliness and hygiene. Together, we can turn the tide and pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.