As we move forward, let us pledge to continue on this path of progress, ensuring that Quetta shines as a beacon of cleanliness and sustainability for generations to come. While the progress made in the past two months in the cleaning campaign is laudable, it is essential to conduct a thorough audit of expenses to ensure accountability and transparency. The audit team from the finance department will scrutinize the expenditures, with specific attention to fuel expenses amounting to Rs. 70 crore in previous periods. Such oversight is vital to prevent any misuse of public funds and maintain the integrity of the cleaning campaign. As the city gears up for the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, it is heartening to note that the cleaning campaign will continue unabated. Chief Minister Bugti’s decision to forgo holidays during Eid-ul-Azha and ensure that officers and employees of the Metropolitan Corporation remain dedicated to their work exemplifies a strong commitment to the cause of cleanliness. The Port Road, as a central artery of the city, holds immense significance as a gateway for visitors arriving and departing from Quetta. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has rightly emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Quetta. His directive to include the Airport Road Cantonment Board area in the cleaning campaign demonstrates a commitment to keeping the city spick and span.

Bugti has rightly stressed that it is a collective responsibility to ensure the removal of 1600 tons of garbage every day, underscoring the importance of community participation in this endeavor. Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in enhancing the sanitation capacity of the city, and it is imperative that all such arrangements adhere to legal regulations. Transparency and merit must be upheld throughout the tendering process to ensure the success and sustainability of these partnerships. The proposed three-fold increase in sanitation capacity is an ambitious goal that can only be achieved through responsible and strategic collaborations. Quetta has long been grappling with the burden of waste management and sanitation issues. However, a recent initiative has sparked hope and optimism among residents as one and a half million tons of garbage have been successfully removed from the city. This monumental achievement is a result of a rigorous cleaning campaign being carried out round the clock in two shifts. For the first time in history, a cleaning campaign was launched in the Pashtunabad area, a significant step towards improving the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the city.

Commendable progress has been made in cleaning up the city drain, with 80 percent of the garbage already cleared. The future looks promising as plans are underway to outsource waste management services, ensuring that Quetta will bid adieu to unsightly garbage dumps. It is heartening to note that in addition to the dedicated permanent employees of the Metropolitan Corporation, 1600 individuals are contributing to the cleaning campaign, receiving a monthly wage of Rs. 15000. Their tireless efforts are not only cleaning up the city but also creating job opportunities, contributing to the local economy. The scope of this cleanliness drive extends beyond the city limits, as plans are in place to extend municipal services to 58 new neighboring wards. This inclusive approach will not only enhance sanitation standards in the city but also ensure that all residents benefit from improved services.