THE estimated volume of garbage generated daily in Karachi is about 16,000 tonnes, including household and industrial waste. Unfortunately, only 40 per cent of it reaches proper disposal sites. Currently, two landfill sites are available for solid waste management – Deh Pass Gondal and Deh Jam Chakro. Both sites are not adequate or equipped enough to deal with what they get.

It takes 500 years for a single plastic bag to disappear completely. Singapore uses incineration plants to get rid of its garbage and uses its heat and energy to light up thousands of homes. Most importantly, the country has ensured that clean air is released from the chimneys of the incineration plants to protect the environment.

Although it is an expensive solution, it can solve two problems of the huge city that Karachi is. It will help eliminate the waste, and reduce electricity loadshedding.

People of Karachi deserve better facilities and environment to live. The government should, therefore, consider various options, including signing a memorandum of understanding with Singapore to help install and operate incineration plants so that Karachi may breath again.

Fahad Zaib
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2021