FAISALABAD: For every 1,000 residents of Faisalabad, having a total population of three million people, there was only one solid waste worker.

Solid Waste Management Company Managing Director Amjad Ali shared the alarming data with the members of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FCCI) on Monday.

He said to overcome this shortage of waste workers the company would recruit 2,500 more employees soon. Of these 2,500 new workers, 1,000 would be added to the company next year, he added.

He said 1,200 to 1,500 tons of solid waste was being produced in the district and the company lacked proper arrangements to transport and dump such a huge quantity of waste.

Mr Ali said two-thirds of the total solid waste was being recycled, but the company had no role in the process.

He said 60 to 70 plots had been identified in the city to be used as filth stations and the company would make arrangements to transport the solid waste from such spots to landfill yet to be marked.

Presently, he said the company had 4 mechanical sweepers and as many more would be purchased next year.

Talking about landfill site, he said 150 acres had been obtained in Khanuana for the purpose, adding that it would be made functional within three years.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2014