Nearly 1m tonnes of waste removed

LWMC says hospital waste management programme is in full swing

LAHORE: Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) issued its six months performance report in which stated that so far in 2019, 0.98 million tonnes of waste have been removed from across the city. Some 22,000 waste related complaints were received on helpline 1139 which were resolved on a priority basis.

LWMC carried out more than 150 massive cleanliness and awareness campaigns across the city, especially at educational institutions, markets, parks, and squares. The aim was to inform and sensitise citizens on sanitation and appeal to them to make use of waste bins. The drive also hoped to encourage them to participate in the Clean and Green Campaign. LWMC imposed more than 13,000 fines, amounting to Rs20 million, for dumping waste.

A statement issued by the company said that after completing all formalities and legalities, the LWMC team is working on a hospital waste management (HWM) project.

“HWM is an imperative environmental and public safety issue, due to the waste’s infectious and hazardous character. During the first 6 months of the year 2019, LWMC has collected and incinerated more than 383 tonnes of infectious hospital waste, according to the environmental guidelines.”

LWMC MD Khalid Nazir stated that the department has been working tirelessly to maintain cleanliness in the city through the constant efforts and dedication of workers/officer towards their duty.

He added the organisation works around the clock, regardless of the occasion or weather conditions. He stressed that the levels of motivation/ dedication never decreased. Directions were also passed to Turk contractors to ensure all their resources, manpower, and machinery was available in the field for effective solid waste management.

LWMC MD also added that a solid waste management system was becoming a challenge due to rapid urbanization and an increase in population. On the other hand, the company is facilitating citizens and engaging them to play a pivotal role in maintaining cleanliness in the city.

LWMC GM Operations Sohail Anwar Malik, meanwhile, said that department was working in close coordination with WASA during the monsoon season and providing all its support.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2019.