The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has begun the process of turning green waste from various city parks into compost, announced PHA Director General Abdul Qadri Shah.
During a meeting, Shah outlined the ongoing efforts under modern horticultural practices. He detailed the completion of compost pits in several locations, including Kareem Shaheed Park, Jinnah Town, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lyallpur Town, D-Ground, Madina Town, Kashmir Park, Iqbal Town, and RB Canal.
These pits will convert the accumulated green waste into compost, which will then be used as fertiliser for planting trees and saplings.
"This initiative not only makes effective use of green waste but also promotes better plant growth," Shah explained.
"Refurbishment efforts by the PHA aim to provide citizens with a visually appealing environment and fresh air. We are launching new activities such as snake plants, jumping castles, and commercial nurseries, while introducing the 'One Land One Tree' concept to encourage community involvement."
Shah noted that, in the absence of a bailout package from the housing department, the PHA plans to adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
This approach will involve the private sector in the city's greening efforts, showcasing the PHA's extensive plans and transforming Faisalabad into a tourism hub.
Addressing the issue of decreasing manpower and the increasing number of parks, Shah revealed that 39 green waste workers, previously assigned to various district administration offices without reporting to the PHA, have been reassigned.
Additionally, a survey of 355 parks around the city will be conducted, with locations posted on a GPS system accessible to the public.
Director of Engineering at PHA, Choudhary Shahbaz Latif Nagra, highlighted the agency's current budget deficit.
He emphasised the need to expand PHA's jurisdiction to all four tehsils of Faisalabad District, similar to the Faisalabad Development Authority.
This expansion would boost revenue generation and support future growth.
Nagra mentioned that the proposal for jurisdiction extension would be presented at the next board of directors meeting to ensure PHA's sustainability and independence.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2024.
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