Faiza Tehseen

By applying modern solid waste management techniques through public-private partnerships, the Balochistan government can not only help cope with environmental issues but also ensure a sustainable income source for many.

“Waste management in Balochistan is emerging as a significant issue. The growing solid waste volume in its urban centres is causing environmental hazards. Quetta and Khuzdar are experiencing rapid urbanisation, leading to a rise in solid waste generation. However, muncipal systems are ill-equipped to handle this ever-increasing mess. Around 300 tonnes of waste is generated daily in the province’s urban centres,” pointed out Mussawir Qureshi, an environmental health and solid waste management specialist.

Talking to WealthPK, he said that many rural and remote areas are also facing similar challenges where waste is either left unatteded or poorly managed, causing environmental degradation and health hazards. “Despite the increasing challeges, solid waste in Balochistan can be turned into a valuable economic asset if managed smartly. Effective waste management and recycling, when integrated into the local economy, create job opportunities and improve environmental conditions.”

Qureshi said: “Solid waste in Balochistan province is largely made up of organic materials, plastics, and other recyclable materials. With proper and right investment Balochistan can not only improve its waste management systems but also boost its economy by tapping the burgegoing recycling and waste-to-energy industries.” He said that globally, cities are rapidly adopting the circular economy models focusing on waste reduction and reusing resources.

“Transition to the said model can be highly beneficial for Balochistan. Technologies that transform waste into energy ensure both environmental and energy solutions.” “Local recycling programmes can also help drastically reduce waste and create economic opportunities, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. The provincial government can support SMEs by incentivising recycling and composting.

It will not only help tackle the waste but will also lead to the creation of sustainable local business models,” Qureshi pointed out.  Discussing with WealthPK about turning solid waste into a potential economic gain and ecofriendly entity, Kashif Noor Khawaja, an environmental specialist from World bank, said, “To unlock the potential of solid waste in all aspects, a uniformed and more coordinated policy is required.

Policymakers should consider putting in place waste management infrastructure, allocating proper funding for research and development, and encouraging public-private partnerships.” He said that proper investment in education and public awareness campaigns is also crucial. “A good number of people, particularly those in rural areas, are unaware of environmental issues and economic benefits of waste recycling and segregation.

A shift in typical mindset aligned with accessibility can transform the waste management into a viable economic activity.” “Efficient waste disposal addresses critical issues related to land, water, and air pollution, soil contamination, and landfill overflow. To tackle the waste management challenges, the provincial government can also get help from international donor agencies and private investors,” Khawaja said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk