RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Managing Director of Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), Asif Ikram has said the there is need to reform the system of first hand garbage collection in the Karachi, garbage transportation stations (GTSs) would be revamped for processing and it will cut the cost of transportation and dumping.

Speaking at meeting of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI), Asif IKram said there is a plenty of capacity in landfill sites with 5 acres of land. “There is need to just put things in order,” he added.

He also announced that after considering reservations of KATI, the GTS located alongside EBM Causeway would be shut down permanently.

He said that the board is planning to launch a processing system to curb subsoil contamination.

Asif Ikram said that garbage transportation stations (GTSs) would be revamped for on-spot processing and it will cut the cost of garbage dumping.

He also added that the SSWMB will offer full support for any investment project regarding waste management.

KATI President Sheikh Umer Rehan briefed the MD regarding economic significance and production capabilities of KATI and solid waste related issues faced by industries.

He said that solid waste management should be revamped as per the modern technology; it would not only cut the cost of processing but also be cost effective for the industry.

He also thanked Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah and MD SSWB for shutting down of GTS located alongside EBM Causeway.

Head of KATI’ standing committee on Local Bodies Zubair Chhaya said that their long awaited demand had been addressed as the shut down of GTS in Causeway announced.

He suggested if SSWMB would allow KATI to manage collection of waste in Korangi industrial area and dump it in specified location, so it would be a great relief for the industries of area and the administration as well.

The MD accepted the idea and both sides also agreed to hold a meeting to decide modalities in future.