Deputy Mayor Karachi Arshad Vohra on Friday urged Sindh Government to release funds in one go for lifting thousands of tons of garbage from the metropolis. Addressing Meet The Press programme of Karachi Press Club (KPC) he said: "Around 12,000 tons of garbage is being generated in the Metropolis each day. Of which, the city government has capacity to lift only 4,000 tons. If the Sindh government releases funds, we can lift the whole waste within the next three months."
It was not the prime responsibility of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) to lift the city's garbage. The provincial government should shoulder this responsibility as it has established Sindh Solid Waste Management Board for this very purpose, he said.
"Karachiites are looking towards us (local bodies' government), but we are facing severe financial problems to deal with their civic issues," he deplored. "We are trying our best to utilize the available resources in an effective manner as our fire brigade department, urban rescue unit, city wardens, ambulance service and other sections are working smoothly. We are also trying to make sure the presence of all staff of these sections on duty so that they could serve the citizens in a better manner.
Recalling he said despite all odds and challenges, the newly-established KMC teams managed to remove over 1.7 million tons of garbage during the last Eid-ul-Azha which is a reflection of their dedication and commitment to ensure healthy environment for the citizens. President KPC Fazil Jamili, Secretary A.H. Khanzada and others were also present on this occasion.