Worst situation reported in Pir colony, where SSWMB established dumping point for animal remains
KARACHI:
Sanitary conditions remain poor in large parts of Karachi, with animal excrement and household waste still not collected in several neighborhoods even on the seventh day after Eidul Azha. The lack of disinfectant spraying and lime treatment has led to foul odors and unsanitary conditions, raising concerns about the spread of infectious diseases.
According to a survey conducted by The Express PK Press Club, many areas of the city continue to face serious waste management problems, including Pir Colony, FC Area, Liaquatabad No. 4, Dak Khana, Sindhi Hotel, Gulshan-e-Iqbal UC 2 and 3, Soldier Bazaar, Garden, Old Town, Landhi, Lyari, Malir, Korangi, Orangi Town, North Karachi and New Karachi.
Large piles of garbage have accumulated in many localities, while in some places the waste has turned into what residents describe as “trash mountains”.
The worst situation was reported from Pir Colony, where the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) had established a dumping point for remains of sacrificial animals on the main road. Common household waste was also dumped at the site, causing animal offal to be buried under layers of rubbish.
Residents claimed that SSWMB staff were absent during the first two days of Eid, leading to accumulation of animal remains and waste throughout the area. Some clean-up was carried out after Friday prayers on the third day when waste collection vehicles arrived, but routine garbage was still not removed, leaving large piles of waste in several places.
A resident of Orangi Town said sanitation conditions were satisfactory in some areas but remained poor in Orangi Towns No. 7 and 13 and other areas.
In the Bazaar and Soldiers’ Garden, residents complained that waste collection staff were only present for the first two days of Eid and then disappeared. Large piles of garbage remain visible in both localities.
The survey also revealed that fumigation and spraying of disinfectants were not carried out in most areas of the city. Additionally, lime has not spread to many affected areas, further contributing to foul odors and public health concerns.
Repeated attempts were made to get a response from Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Director General Tariq Nizamani. However, despite several phone calls and text messages, he could not be reached for comment.
