LAHORE: In association with its international Turkish contractors, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) disposed of 44,000 tonnes of animal waste during the Eid holidays.

The disposal operation was carried out by over 15,000 sanitary workers through 2,000 vehicles, equipments under command of the LWMC and its Turkish companies and supervisory assistance of the city district administration.

“A comprehensive policy was devised to effectively collect and dispose of 44,000 tonnes of animal waste through distribution of 2.1 million waste bags among masses at Eid camps, model points, shops, mosques etc. The strategy also focused on swift and timely lifting of animal waste from streets engaging additional vans; 297 Eid camps were established in all union councils that helped to work in a better and well-coordinated way,” claimed a spokesman for the LWMC in a press release on Friday.

Animal waste was dumped at designated points and covered with soil and lime. Special arrangements were made at major slaughterhouses by deploying workers and machinery there, including mechanical washing.

During their visits, senior LWMC officials, Lahore deputy commissioner, commissioner and others listened to public complaints related to non-collection of offal and the cleanliness situation in the areas of Mughalpura, Salamatpura, Taj Bagh, Johar Town, Iqbal Town, Kot Lakhpat, Shahdara, Singhpura and China Scheme.

“On public complaints, the LWMC management suspended four officials over poor performance in their respective areas,” the spokesman added.

The offal collection and disposal operation was also participated by film and TV star Afzal Khan (Jan Rambo) on all three days of Eid. He visited multiple LWMC camps and distributed waste bags among the public. “I am thankful to the government for inviting me. I am always on toes to help LWMC in this noble cause, which is the responsibility of every citizen of Lahore, Pakistan,” the spokesman quoted Khan as having said during the visits.

Khan’s wife, film star Sahiba, also recorded a video message, which was aired by news channels. She urged the people of Lahore to use waste bags provided by LWMC and avoid littering.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2018