Balochistan Local Government Minister Pledges to Improve Quetta’s Municipal Services and Cleanliness

Quetta:Provincial Minister for Local Government, Mir Khoyar Domki, has assured that all necessary steps will be taken to enhance the capacity of the Metropolitan Corporation of Quetta and increase its revenue. His aim is to improve cleanliness and municipal services across the city.

In a recent briefing by the Administrator/Commissioner of Quetta Division, Hamza Shafqat, Domki emphasized the government’s commitment to serving the public and improving the city’s aesthetics. “It is our duty to serve the people, and we will go to any length within our resources to solve all issues related to the city’s development and beauty,” said Domki.

The Minister highlighted the importance of better waste management and proposed the activation of a solid waste plant, along with the implementation of a plastic bag ban in Quetta. Measures will also be introduced to ensure daily waste disposal.

Hamza Shafqat informed the meeting that the lack of funds in the past had hindered municipal services, making it difficult to pay employees’ salaries. As a solution, the provincial government has contracted a private company to manage waste collection, reducing the burden on the Metropolitan Corporation. Additionally, to increase revenue, the corporation will auction off its properties at current market rates.

Other key developments include the activation of the Circular Parking Plaza and Solid Waste Management Plant, as well as the establishment of two new fire stations in Kachlak and Saryab. Moreover, steps are being taken to improve revenue generation by leasing 893 shops, 3 parks, 15 parking stands, 75 leased properties, 418 residential quarters, and 7 other properties.

Shafqat also reported that encroachments have been cleared from 12 major drains in the city, and in the past five months, a large-scale operation has removed 500,000 tons of waste from Quetta. Furthermore, the daily waste collection capacity has been increased to 1,400 tons.

To reduce operational costs, street lights will be transitioned to solar energy, and the corporation’s revenue records will be digitized, promising improvements in municipal services and revenue collection.

Minister Domki concluded the meeting by directing all sections of the Metropolitan Corporation to submit comprehensive reports, emphasizing the importance of a detailed action plan to ensure Quetta’s cleanliness and the provision of better municipal services. He reiterated that enhancing the city’s infrastructure, green belts, street lighting, and cleanliness is key to making Quetta a model city.