The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has proposed a new garbage tax for the city, aiming to raise funds and ease its financial burden on the government. In a recommendation presented to Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, the LWMC suggests a monthly tax ranging from Rs. 250 to Rs. 2,000 for households based on size and location. Businesses could face even higher charges, with a proposed tariff of Rs. 500 to Rs. 10,000 per month. The LWMC estimates this tax could generate up to Rs. 12 billion annually, significantly reducing its reliance on government funding. The company currently spends Rs. 17 billion annually on waste management services.

The proposal, however, is yet to be approved by the Punjab government and is likely to spark discussions among residents and stakeholders. Concerns around the potential financial burden on residents and the effectiveness of the tax in improving waste management services are likely to be debated. This news comes amidst ongoing discussions about sustainable funding solutions for waste management in Lahore. The city faces challenges in maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in its waste collection system, and the LWMC hopes this tax proposal can contribute to addressing these issues.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)