By Muhammad Hussain
Quetta, the vibrant capital of Balochistan, is grappling with a severe garbage crisis, shattering its once-pristine image. The city’s struggle with mounting heaps of waste has reached a critical point, portraying an image of neglect and mismanagement. This predicament poses multifaceted challenges, affecting the health and overall quality of life for Quetta’s residents.
At the heart of this crisis lies the glaring absence of cleanliness initiatives across various sectors of Quetta. The city has essentially transformed into a landfill, an eyesore visible to all. The residents find themselves helpless in the face of escalating garbage, feeling abandoned by the authorities.
As the garbage accumulates, it not only tarnishes Quetta’s aesthetics but also becomes a breeding ground for diseases. Areas like Mano Jan Road are grappling with infections, intensifying the predicaments faced by the locals. The city’s inadequate cleanliness is starkly evident in its roads and drains, now clogged with refuse. The populace is rallying for swift intervention from the government.
Abdul Jabbar Baloch, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, sheds light on Quetta’s financial constraints in tackling this predicament. The funds earmarked for daily wages for sanitation workers have remained stagnant since 2016. Despite receiving 2 crore 80 lakh rupees, sustaining this workforce of 1300 to 800 laborers, coupled with monthly fuel expenses, has become unsustainable. The city is now at an impasse, unable to pay salaries and continue essential services like waste management.
In a candid interview, Baloch emphasizes the urgency of external support. He proposes either a substantial financial aid package or the establishment of a sustainable waste management system. The city’s financial woes have triggered a surge in prices, exacerbating the challenges it faces.
The garbage crisis transcends geographical boundaries, extending its grasp to localities such as Mali Bagh, Maghribi By Pass, Kali Kamalu, and Hazar Ganji. The absence of proper sanitation in these areas compounds the hardships faced by residents.
Matin, a concerned resident, draws attention to the plight of schools. Educational institutions now find themselves surrounded by garbage, creating hazardous conditions for students. With weeks passing without any cleanup efforts, serious health concerns are escalating.
As the garbage crisis deepens, the collective outcry from Quetta’s residents intensifies. Their plea to the government extends beyond immediate relief, urging comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of this issue. The residents implore the government to act urgently, safeguarding Quetta from environmental and health hazards.
In conclusion, Quetta’s garbage crisis demands prompt and holistic intervention. The city’s aesthetics, health, and economic stability are all under threat due to neglected waste management. The residents’ call for government action is a unified appeal to acknowledge the urgency and take resolute steps toward restoring the city’s former beauty and vitality.
