KARACHI: The hustle and bustle peculiar to Karachi was restored on Friday after almost a five-day-long Eidul Azha break but with little respite against the stench emanating from dumps of waste and garbage.

Against the expectation that waste, of diverse categories, having accumulated during last few days would be collected and all thoroughfares would be cleaned by Friday, citizens witnessed absence of staffers concerned belonging to Karachi Metr­opolitan Corporation as well as Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB).

“Heaps of waste dumps and puddles of blood rendered unattended are simply intolerable,” said Hammad Hussain, a retired banker.

“The stench is simply nauseating with severe implications on general health and emotional well-being of people,” warned Dr Waqar Hasan, a psychiatrist.

Urging people to realise their obligation as responsible citizens, he said lime powder or even simple sand can be spread over puddles which due to recent showers and consequent clouds are taking time in naturally drying up.

“This would at least help us and our children [stay] protected against varied categories of infections,” observed Dr Faraz Hadi, a local medical practitioner.

A spokesman of Karachi mayor acknowledging that matters related to hygiene were far from being satisfactory. He added that the KMC was trying its level best to address the situation but needed support of SSWMB as well as citizens in general to brave the challenge.

Unfortunately SSWMB officials refused to attend APP’s call and share their point of view about the situation.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2019