Assessing Municipal Solid Waste Management System in Quetta, Pakistan

Background: Assessing municipal solid waste management systems is crucial for improving the quality of waste disposal services in urban areas.Objectives: The main objective of this study is to assess the operational capacities and challenges of Metropolitan Corporation Quetta in managing municipal solid waste (MSW).Methodology: Applying a mixed-method approach, this study used a case study research design. The primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews from the selected six key informants and official data on waste management services. The findings showed that MCQ's waste lifting capacity for ۲۰۲۰-۲۱ and ۲۰۲۱-۲۲ were ۲۵۶۵۲۳ tons and ۲۵۹۳۵۰ tons, respectively. The average daily waste lifting capacity in ۲۰۲۰-۲۱ was ۶۵۷.۷۵ tons, while in ۲۰۲۱-۲۲, it increased to ۶۶۵.۰۰ tons.Results: The findings also revealed that the amount of waste generated in Quetta is estimated at ۱۵۰۰ tons a day, of which almost ۵۰% is disposed of daily. MCQ has ۲۳۱ vehicles for solid waste management. Of the total human resource capacity i.e., ۲۵۹۵, ۱۶۰۰ work on daily wages. MCQ needs more funds, machinery, and vehicles. The findings of the study concluded that the Metropolitan Corporation Quetta needs more operating capability due to inconsistent and insufficient funding availability, a lack of machinery and vehicles, and a shortage of human resources. The MCQ has successfully disposed of about half (۵۰%) of all the waste generated daily.Conclusion: This study suggests a dire need for enhancing the operational capability of MCQ through allocating sufficient finances, equipment and machinery, and adequate human resources for an improved and sustainable solid waste management system in Quetta.

Keywords:

Municipal Solid Waste , Municipal Solid Waste Management , Waste Management Practices , Quetta , Balochistan , Pakistan