Dump Dilemmas: MWMC’s Uphill Battle with Waste Management Pains

Suhail Akhtar

Multan: As populations burgeon and urbanization accelerates, tackling solid waste management becomes ever more intricate, posing a persistent challenge for the Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC), noted Chairman Mian Rashid Iqbal.

With life persisting, the escalating volume of solid waste continues to accumulate unabated each day, the Chairman lamented. However, despite their professed commitment, scattered waste remains a common sight in various residential areas of the city.

Whether due to factors like increasing urbanization and population pressure, a lack of capability, or the careless attitude of the populace, these open waste heaps pose risks to public health and the environment.

Due to the unhygienic air they breathe and the foul stench emanating from openly disposed-of waste, this trend makes thousands of citizens unwell every year, incurring billions of rupees in medical expenses.

Gastroenterologist Dr Zulqarnain Haider cited that irregular disposal of waste in residential areas causes illness, and residents living within 100 meters are more vulnerable.

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People living in dirty vicinities are more susceptible to diseases like malaria, dengue, asthma, throat and nose infections, allergies, and reduced immunity, Gastroenterologist stated.

Dr Haider said uncollected and openly dumped solid waste also causes air pollution, water and soil contamination, and land degradation. Moreover, open burning of waste also releases toxic substances, such as poisonous dioxin, into the air. 

Mian Rashid stated that this situation requires a gigantic, ceaseless mechanism powered by human resources and machinery. But, despite limited resources, we endeavour to keep the city arteries, cross-sections and residential areas clean, he added.

Established in 2012, the company still faces shortages of finances, manpower and machinery, informed Mian Rashid, adding that “we face a deficiency of finances and manpower. We have only 1900 sanitary workers to cover 68 urban union councils, against a minimum requirement of 3000.” 

Out of the total waste generated daily in the city, the MWMC could collect and dispose of 70 per cent and sometimes we have to borrow money to continue its operation, further mentioned Chairman Iqbal.

Stakeholder Efforts

“We at MWMC are committed to implementing sustainable waste management practices, despite the fact that urbanization and growing population expansion make effective solid waste management more difficult,” MWMC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shahid Yaqoob optimistically remarked.

With the recent acquisition of modern equipment by MWMC, including over 100 loader rickshaws, 300 handcarts, 11 loaders, 11 trolleys, 310 containers, and a vacuum sweeper, the CEO was confident in taking the performance to the next level.

In order to mitigate pollution and reduce strain on land resources, we are trying to implement a comprehensive waste collection system by upgrading to modern techniques, CEO informed. 

“We are also conducting research programs and studies in collaboration with educational institutions to control plastic pollution,” Shahid added.

As the major financial contribution for the company comes from the Punjab Government, it also finds windows from the private sector, like providing services to the main vegetable market for Rs 900,000 per month and the Nishtar Hospital residential colony for Rs 6,000 per container, and from penalties imposed on people, companies and hospitals for violations of waste disposal laws.

The MWMC also engages with communities to promote hygiene practices and sanitation, impart training to communities on proper waste disposal, and support informal waste pickers to improve their livelihoods. 

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Meanwhile, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) field staff also ensures compliance with set regulations and standards to govern waste management activities within the district.

Environmental Expert Hameed Ahmad claimed that the Punjab EPA field staff plays a pivotal role in ensuring effective solid waste management practices. Since the EPA does not directly handle waste collection or transportation, their oversight ensures that local authorities adhere to established guidelines. 

Community Voices Heard

Although the MWMC officials make tall claims about keeping the city clean, the residents have a different opinion, with many living in less developed areas complaining about stuffy and adulterated vicinities.

The company’s operations in the narrow streets of old Mohallahs, including those in walled cities, sometimes fall short of expectations, said Shafiq Bhatti, a resident. We still await a proper mechanism to lift waste from these streets and its proper disposal.

Poor monitoring of sanitary staff is worsening the cleanliness situation in different parts of the city, he added.

Bhatti recommended to MWMC that it take trade bodies and organizations on board for better waste collection and disposal mechanisms. Traders, vendors, hand cart owners and citizens should also be made responsible for ensuring a cleaner city. 

Another citizen Tanvir Joiya has also complained that the sanitary staff cleans only main roads and chowks while narrow streets and the old city area remain out of focus.

Joiya added that it is essential to focus on all areas without discrimination. Health is equally important for every citizen. Various diseases like dengue, malaria, chest congestion, bronchitis, and diarrhoea could easily be controlled through a cleaner environment.

Tanvir also suggested recruiting more sanitary workers to meet the shortage of manpower.

Even while MWMC is currently able to collect 70 per cent of the total waste generated daily, the state of affairs paints a dire image, pressuring authorities to allocate additional resources in order to complete this duty and guarantee public health.

The feature report was released by APP. All information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of the writer.