Worst situation reported in Pir Colony, where SSWMB established dumping point for animal remains
KARACHI:
Sanitation conditions remain poor across large parts of Karachi, with animal waste and household garbage still lying uncollected in several neighbourhoods even on the seventh day after Eidul Azha. The absence 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 Tribune, many areas of the city continue to face severe waste management problems, including Pir Colony, FC Area, Liaquatabad No. 4, Dak Khana, Sindhi Hotel, Gulshan-e-Iqbal UCs 2 and 3, Soldier Bazaar, Garden, the Old City Area, 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 grown into what residents describe as ‘mountains of garbage’.
The worst situation was reported in Pir Colony, where the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) had established a dumping point for sacrificial animal remains on the main road. Routine household waste was also dumped at the site, causing animal offal to become buried under layers of garbage.
Residents claimed that SSWMB staff were absent for the first two days of Eid, resulting in the accumulation of animal remains and garbage throughout the area. Some cleaning was carried out after Friday prayers on the third day when waste collection vehicles arrived, but routine garbage was still not removed, leaving large waste heaps at several locations.
A resident of Orangi Town said sanitation conditions were satisfactory in some neighbourhoods but remained poor in Orangi Town No 7 and 13 and other areas.
In Soldier Bazaar and Garden, residents complained that waste collection staff were present only during the first two days of Eid and then disappeared. Large garbage piles remain visible in both localities.
The survey also found that fumigation and disinfectant spraying have not been carried out in most parts of the city. In addition, lime has not been spread in many affected areas, further contributing to foul smells and concerns over public health.
Repeated attempts were made to obtain a response from Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Managing Director Tariq Nizamani. However, despite several phone calls and text messages, he could not be reached for comment.
