Solid waste management: ICT looks towards local traders to fund project

Residents doubt authorities’ claims about lack of finances.

ISLAMABAD:

After failing to get funds for its solid waste management project in rural areas, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) has decided to approach local traders to generate funds for the plan.

“We have been waiting for the release of funds amounting to around Rs15 million for the past two years, but to date there has been no progress. We have decided to generate funds for the project by engaging local traders,” said Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Amir Ali Ahmed, while talking to The Express Tribune.

“Currently, there is no garbage collection system in place for the rural areas of the capital which contributes to communicable diseases and environmental pollution,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said that the ICT will start generating funds from Bhara Kahu, where the heaps of garbage, especially outside the rural health centre, was creating trouble for passersby and nearby shopkeepers.

Meanwhile, traders at Bara Kahu doubted the feasibility of the ICT plan.

“The area is only cleaned up when a VIP turns up. When former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani visited the area to inaugurate an upgraded rural health centre, the entire bazaar was cleaned up. Where does the money come from whenever a VIP visits the area,” said Asif Abbassi, a local shopkeeper.

Anwar Iqbal, an owner of a general store at the Athal Chowk, Bhara Kahu, lamented that, “The government releases funds only for the well-being of the filthy rich and not for the poor. Just see how much money the Capital Development Authority (CDA) spends to keep all the sectors of Islamabad clean and green.”

Mehmood, who works at a hotel located on the main road, said, “The pungent smell from the heaps of garbage makes it difficult for our customers to sit and have food.”

He said in summers, flies and mosquitoes disturb customers because of the heaps of garbage strewn all around.

“To get rid of the garbage, we usually set it on fire but obviously it is not a permanent solution,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2013.