SAHIWAL:Developing an effective framework for municipal solid waste management (SWM) across Punjab demands strategic planning, financial resources, community engagement, and collaboration among experts and local stakeholders.

These issues were at the heart of discussions during a workshop by The Urban Unit (TUU), in collaboration with the Institute of Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan, and the UN Environment Programme, held at a local hotel.

The workshop focused on crafting a comprehensive SWM strategy for the Sahiwal Division. Participants included solid waste contractors from the seven tehsils of the division, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Local Government and Community Development Department, corporation sanitary officers, personnel from PICIIP, and representatives from the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant.

Asif Iqbal of the TUU emphasised the need for sustainable governance models in MSW management that integrate organisational capacity, environmental protection, cost-effective solutions, and community participation throughout planning and execution phases. He highlighted the importance of early stakeholder engagement through a bottom-up approach to ensure informed decision-making.

Miho Hayashi from IGES spoke about creating synergies between local strategies and global sustainability standards. She emphasised aligning ongoing policy development with international best practices.

Iftikhar Ahmed, CEO of the Sahiwal Water and Sanitation Services Company, outlined the operational landscape and challenges of SWM in the division. He underlined the importance of community awareness and participation in improving collection systems.

Imran from an Islamabad-based foundation stressed the need for including informal SWM actors such as scavengers and gypsies in strategic planning, especially in rural districts like Sahiwal. He said their existing role in the system should be formally recognised.

ROBBERY: Two robbers robbed Rs20,000 from a motorcyclist before shooting him for resisting near the graveyard of Chak 53/GD late at night.

Sultan Ali (25) was traveling to Kot Dewa Mall to get his motorcycle repaired when two robbers intercepted him. They snatched Rs20,000 cash and shot him for resisting.

The attackers fled, leaving Sultan Ali injured by the roadside.

Rescue 1122 personnel transported him to the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025