DISTRICT Sahiwal has been converted into a division now. It comprises District Pakpattan and District Okara. Total population of District Sahiwal is almost 21,64,663 and the population of Sahiwal city is 2,08,778.

Citizens of Sahiwal city generate almost 1,00,800 kg garbage daily and the Tehsil Municipal Administration Sahiwal has the capacity to manage solid waste of 83600kg on a daily basis. Remaining 17200 kg of garbage is being collected by gypsies.

The basic reason of solid waste management is the non-availability of sanitary workers/sweepers. TMA Sahiwal has a total of 410 sanitary workers, while only 200 of them work properly.

The second reason is the disposal of garbage. Previously, the district government provided the place of Ratti Tibbi to TMA for the disposal of solid waste. The government soon took over the place due to protests by the residents. Therefore, at present the TMA Sahiwal has no proper place for the disposal of solid waste. The concerned authorities are urged to provide a proper place to the TMA Sahiwal and arrange proper ways of solid waste management by making public private partnership with other companies. TMA should also identify permanent places for gypsies for the disposal of waste.

ALWEERA RASHID Sahiwal