Sialkot’s Shah Syedan UC littered with trash, sewerage

Residents say situation can lead to outbreak of diseases due to monsoon rains

SIALKOT: Popularly known for manufacturing high quality sports goods, Sialkot is currently facing inadequate sanitation and cleanliness. Garbage heaps can be seen strewn about the city, speaking volumes about the efficiency of the departments concerned.

Despite the tall claims made by authorities concerned regarding cleanliness, almost every locality in the city is in pathetic shape. This has resulted in inconveniencing citizens, in addition to posing health risks.



The conditions are deteriorating with each passing day as the district administration is seemingly unable to ensure cleanliness in the 12th most populated  city of the country.

The administration also lacks the necessary equipment to undertake such a massive operation; this can be gauged from the fact that authorities are only able to lift a small fraction of the several tonnes of waste produced daily.

The situation has raised several questions regarding the government’s priorities. The prevailing conditions not only pose a threat to the atmosphere and ecological system of the city, but can also trigger an outbreak of different diseases in the area.

In each and every corner, especially open spaces, locals discover heaps of garbage and waste. The most affected areas include Shah Syedan Union Council where entire streets are littered with trash.

When Express News surveyed the area, it was found that the cleanliness arrangements in the entire union council are disappointing. Accumulated sewage and heaps of garbage have made the lives of the residents miserable.

Local residents say it is unfortunate that the district administration is not taking the unsanitary conditions seriously.

They said  that solid waste management and municipal corporation officials have failed to dispose of the garbage and maintain cleanliness in the area.

The irate residents pointed out that keeping in view the monsoon rains, it is necessary to lift garbage and clean the streets. Failure to do can result in an outbreak of diseases, they added. They lamented the fact that despite lodging complaints,  the officials concerned are not paying any heed to the matter.



When contacted, Solid Waste Management Managing Director Shiraz Warraich maintained, “The cleanliness arrangements in the area are satisfactory.” He added, “1,177 sweepers from solid waste management are working in Sialkot while 19 trolleys and six trucks work in shifts to lift garbage.”

In addition, he maintained that 14 small vehicles have also been provided to maintain cleanliness and dispose of garbage from designated areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2018.