Karachi plunges deeper into heaps of trash

As the Center and provincial government of Sindh led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) engage in certain political conflicts and despite the federal government constituted a high-powered committee to work out plans to address issues being faced by the residents of Karachi, the longstanding cleanliness situation in Karachi has worsened, particularly after the onslaught of the monsoon season.

Instead of taking charge or effective responsible measures, the provincial government has turned the issue of "cleanliness of Karachi" into a nightmare for the people of the metropolis, who are left at the risks of waterborne diseases, mosquito- and fly-borne diseases, skin infections, conjunctivitis and other diseases.

Thousands of patients are suffering from pneumonia, typhoid, dengue and diarrhea as the garbage is still being haphazardly and indiscriminately thrown on the streets - unfolding filthy and unhygienic conditions in Karachi.

What has further irked the people are gutters in various parts of the city suddenly overflowed to cause disruptions and roadblocks, and potholes in the roads and highways due to which commuters are forced to "drive very cautiously." Despite of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) are not discharging their responsibilities properly in removing heaps of garbage and the garbage continues to pile up along roadsides in many areas of the city.

On September 24, the Sindh government had announced a prize money of Rs100,000 for identification of garbage throwers in Karachi. Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani had spoken to the media and claimed that the issues were being 'deliberately' created in the metropolis.

The PPP leader had maintained that the cleanliness drive had been initiated and positive results were being produced. He had urged citizens to record videos of those who throw garbage outside and inform the relevant authorities.