Punjab

Litter and garbage: Protest demonstrations across Multan against unhygienic conditions

Authorities turn a blind eye to heaps of garbage in Multan

Our Correspondent June 14, 2017

While CDA campaigns to get people to not litter, its own garbage collection points set up near educational institutions, residential areas, greenbelts and mosques do not present a pretty sight. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID

MULTAN: Citizens of Multan held protest demonstrations across city against the waste management authorities as heaps of garbage remain scattered in many areas of the city.

A large number of people gathered at various locations including Shah Rukn-e-alam, New Multan, Masoom Shah Road, Mumtazabad, Nawan Shehar, Dolat Gate, Airport Road, Bohar Gate, Chungi Number 1 and Airport Road. They demanded of the authorities to make arrangements for cleanliness and lifting garbage from city. Protesters were carrying banners and shouted slogans against the solid waste management authority for its negligence in cleaning the city.

Hassan, a resident of New Multan, said in his locality sewerage lines were chocked with garbage and there were heaps of waste everywhere, moreover, dust storms last week in Multan just made it worst.

“Various diseases have spread due to the unhygienic conditions while the district administration is paying no heed to our complaints,” he added.

Aqil Zaidi, a resident of Mumtazabad, said despite hundreds of complaints garbage from his area has not been removed yet.

“No one is ready to take the responsibility. The mayor is giving orders of cleanliness and monitoring to chairman and vice chairmen, who blame solid waste management company but no one is actually taking any action to fix this filthy environment,” he added.

Hamza, a resident of downtown area in Multan, said it was the duty of civic authorities to provide clean and healthy environment to the citizens but unfortunately due to their negligence, major roads of the city have been covered with filth and garbage making it hard for the citizens to breathe.

Protesters warned that if a massive cleanliness drive was not launched within two days, they will launch a series of protest demonstrations and sit-ins against the district administration in front of government offices.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2017.