Sindh govt advancing modern waste management reforms: Nasir Hussain Shah

KARACHI: A high-level meeting of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) was held under the chairmanship of Sindh Minister for Local Government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, to review proposals aimed at introducing an improved and sustainable cleanliness system across all districts of Sindh. The meeting discussed expanding modern waste management operations beyond Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana and Sukkur to ensure uniform sanitation services throughout the province.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Local Government Waseem Shamshad Ali, Managing Director SSWMB Tariq Ali Nizamani, Director Solid Waste Emergency & Efficiency Project (SWEEP) and other senior officials.

During the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was presented on proposed operational models designed to establish an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable waste management system across Sindh.

Officials presented three operational models including the Hybrid Model, Hybrid Plus Model and Local Model. These models have been developed in accordance with modern operational requirements and aim to introduce flexible management structures under which cleanliness operations may be conducted through local government structures, municipal committees or FEC-based management mechanisms. The proposed framework also ensures active participation of local government institutions in planning, implementation and monitoring processes to strengthen institutional ownership and service delivery.

It was proposed that dividing operational responsibilities at the town level would significantly improve supervision, monitoring and overall performance. Under the proposed system, town administrations may also receive technical support through a modern Central Monitoring System (CMS) to ensure effective oversight and performance evaluation of cleanliness operations.

The meeting further discussed strategies to reduce operational expenditures while maintaining service efficiency. Proposals were presented to implement projects under 3+1 or 4+1 year operational cycles to ensure sustainability and performance-based continuation of services. Officials informed that machinery deployment and human resources would be aligned according to the specific needs of each district, allowing optimal utilization of available resources and helping establish a financially sustainable sanitation system.

Participants were also briefed on proposals to establish additional landfill sites across Sindh to ensure environmentally safe disposal of municipal waste. Locations under consideration include Kashmore-Kandhkot, Larkana, Kot Diji, Nawabshah, Sehwan, Malkiar Hyderabad, Umerkot and Dhabeji. Officials informed that modern Garbage Transfer Stations in different districts are nearing completion and will soon become operational.

Managing Director SSWMB Tariq Ali Nizamani informed the meeting that construction and development work at the Jam Chakro Landfill Site is progressing rapidly and two landfill cells have already been completed. Upon completion of the project, approximately 20 million US dollars in carbon credits are expected, which will contribute to environmental protection as well as generate economic benefits for the province.

Addressing the meeting, Nasir Hussain Shah said that providing citizens with a clean, healthy and safe environment remains the top priority of the provincial government. He directed officials to further refine the proposed models to make them practical and implementable and stated that future steps would be finalized after consultation with the Chief Minister Sindh.

The Minister issued strict instructions for action against individuals involved in illegal dumping of waste and construction debris. He directed authorities to ensure enforcement with police support, stop vehicles involved in dumping debris at unauthorized locations and initiate legal proceedings against violators. He emphasized that modern strategies, effective monitoring and public cooperation are essential to transforming Sindh into a clean and environmentally sustainable province.