Mayor aims to revive Quetta’s past glory

Kaleemullah says Rs930m heavy machinery purchased to collect door-to-door garbage

ISLAMABAD: Following the federal government initiative of 'Green and Clean Pakistan', the cleanliness drive has gained momentum in Quetta with the local administration busy in cleansing activities to give the provincial capital a new civilised look.

Quetta Mayor Dr Kaleemullah told APP that the Quetta Metropolitan Corporation (QMC) was working on fast-track arrangements to restore its lost beauty, besides enticing tourists towards the provincial capital earlier known as “little Paris”.



In this connection, the provincial government had purchased waste collection equipment, including over 500 small garbage containers, 56 dumpsters and 82 garbage lifting vehicles.

He said the heavy machinery worth Rs930 million was purchased to collect door-to-door garbage and discourage the practice of littering.
Citing dearth of sanitary staff as a big hurdle in accomplishing the cleanliness target by 100%, he expressed hope that the department would be able to achieve 60% of the target with its existing staff strength.

He said, the municipal authorities were also contemplating recruiting additional workforce to handle day-to-day trash of the city.



The QMC had installed a big dumpster around the corner of each street of Quetta and also planned to start awareness campaigns to create a sense of belonging among citizens.

"We have also started an operation to clear the nullahs for efficient working of the sewerage system so the waste water does not cause inconvenience to the public," said Kaleemullah.

He said the decision was taken in light of prime minister's directives received last week.

The mayor asked the PM to authorise municipal authorities in accordance with the local government Article 140A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

He said that they were also working on a campaign to remove encroachments without any discrimination, adding that the drive against encroachments would start under the supervision of Quetta assistant commissioner.

He directed officials to focus on implementation of the model code of conduct.

He informed that officers, flying squads had been set up for cleansing purpose.