Karachi: Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah visited Pakistan’s first sanitary engineering landfill site, Jam Chakro Landfill Site Phase-II, to review the pace of ongoing development works and future expansion plans, where he was given a detailed briefing by senior officials and project consultants.
The visit was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Qasim Siraj Soomro, MPA Imdad Pitafi, Managing Director Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Tariq Nizamani, PD SWEEP Usman Moazzam, along with Turkish consultants and Chinese contractors.
Officials informed the minister that five new landfill blocks are being constructed over an area of 500 acres at an estimated cost of Rs13 billion, incorporating modern sanitary landfill techniques aimed at safe waste disposal, recycling and energy generation, addressing the growing solid waste challenges of Karachi and surrounding areas.
The minister directed authorities to ensure timely completion of the project in line with international environmental standards, emphasizing that no compromise should be made on quality or transparency.
According to the briefing, key infrastructure components including access roads, storm water drainage system, leachate collection tanks and a weighbridge will be developed, while an administrative block, engineering workshop and a mosque will also be constructed as part of the project.
Each landfill block will have a height of 25 meters with a total capacity of approximately 13 million cubic meters, enabling long-term waste management solutions for the province.
Nasir Shah said the project would introduce modern waste-to-energy solutions, allowing conversion of solid waste into electricity, carbon blocks and other usable by-products, creating economic opportunities alongside environmental benefits.
He further stated that legacy waste in old landfill cells would also be scientifically treated and recycled to reclaim land and enhance capacity.
Officials added that the project includes installation of advanced liner systems to prevent groundwater contamination and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The minister stressed the need for an integrated strategy to tackle urban waste issues and called for public awareness campaigns to promote waste segregation at source.
Experts believe the Jam Chakro Phase-II project will serve as a milestone in establishing a sustainable and environmentally responsible solid waste management system in Sindh, significantly improving urban sanitation and supporting green energy initiatives.
