Maintain cleanliness, hygiene during Eid-ul-Azha: experts

LAHORE:“Daewoo Waste Management is providing services in 22 tehsils of Punjab. The Suthra Punjab Programme is not only provides cleanliness facilities across the province, but also lays foundation for a modern waste management system in the country.

Instead of disposing of waste openly after sacrificing animals, place it at the designated collection points. It is our duty to prove ourselves as responsible citizens and support a clean Eid”. These views were expressed during a seminar “Eid-ul-Azha and public responsibilities” jointly organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society and Daewoo Waste Management Division. The guest of honor was Asia Gul (Special Secretary of Local Government and Community Development Punjab).

The speakers included Saira Afzal Tarar (Coordinator to Chief Minister), Sohail Anwar Malik (General Manager, Daewoo Waste Management Division), Muhammad Hanif Patafi (MPA), Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmed, Prof Dr Faiza Sharif and Prof Dr Arsha Mir. The event was hosted by Wasif Nagi, Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society, Jang Group). Addressing the audience, Asia Gul said a significant amount of waste is generated from sacrificial animals on Eid-ul-Azha. Daewoo is implementing a special “Zero Waste Campaign”. Additional machinery and manpower have been deployed to ensure timely and effective completion of cleaning operations, she said. “During Eid, our staff will provide services in different shifts from 6am to 10pm. Waste will be collected, safely transported and disposed of at dump sites to keep cities clean and minimise public health risks”, she informed.

Saira Afzal Tarar emphasised during Eid-ul-Azha, we sacrifice animals, and it is crucial to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Proper disposal of waste is essential to prevent health hazards, she said. Punjab government, she said is playing a vital role in maintaining clean environment. Eighty percent of people sacrifice animals at home or on roads, so public awareness is necessary, she stressed. “This project will not only keep Punjab clean, but also reduce diseases”, she hoped. MPA Muhammad Hanif Patafi remarked, “We often hear about cleanliness and faith, but we must act on it. Thousands of workers collect 5,000-6,000 tons of waste daily. This is all due to the efforts of chief minister, who launched Suthra Punjab Project”, he said. The cleanliness seen in Lahore is now visible in remote areas like Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, he added.Khalid Majeed, President of Daewoo Waste Management Division, said their goal is to provide efficient waste collection and disposal services, promote sustainable practices, and reduce environmental pollution. “We engage local communities, hire staff and raise awareness about proper waste management”, he shared the information. Faisal Siddiqui, Executive Chairman of Daewoo Group of Companies, said filth breeds diseases. “Daewoo has partnered with the Punjab govt to manage waste in 22 cities under Suthra Punjab Programme. We are building a strong waste management infrastructure, including machinery and sanitation workers”, he told gathering. If the public cooperates, this project will succeed, controlling health risks in growing populations, he hoped. Sohail Anwar Malik, GM of Daewoo Waste Management Division, explained Punjab government has outsourced Solid Waste Management (SWM) under Suthra Punjab Programme, covering 124 tehsils in 31 districts. So far, 106 tehsils have been outsourced, including 22 assigned to Daewoo. Wasif Nagi said sacrifice symbolises compassion, but cleanliness is often neglected. Cleanliness is half of faith, and we must uphold it, he reminded. National awareness campaigns are needed to promote hygiene, he said.