LAHORE: The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) on Monday claimed to have disposed of over 1.5 million tonnes of solid waste during 2023.

According to a spokesman, the company, in a bid to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for the residents of Lahore, embarked on a path of modern, practical reforms aimed at enhancing the welfare of its dedicated workforce.

The spokesman says that 59,670 citizens’ complaints were addressed through the LWMC helpline 1139. Moreover, a swift resolution was achieved for over 5,120 complaints received via social media and the Chief Minister Portal, reflecting the organisation’s responsiveness to public concerns. Striving to combat illegal dumping, the LWMC took stringent actions, issuing 9,182 challans, imposing fines amounting to over Rs11.8m and registering 777 FIRs.

“The organisation’s commitment to environmental stewardship extended to widespread awareness campaigns, totaling more than 4,380, conducted in parks, markets, and residential areas. Green clubs established in schools further strengthened the focus on environmental education in collaboration with the Pak Mission Society. The LWMC also embraced cutting-edge technology, initiating the process of vehicle route optimization and digitization with the support of Lums. This initiative, leveraging artificial intelligence, resulted in significant fuel savings ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 litres per month.”

The company claimed the year 2023 marked an impressive 52pc increase in the sales of its Eco-Friendly Fertilizer Belia, showcasing a growing awareness and adoption of sustainable practices in the community. The revenue collection target was ambitiously revised to 550,000 commercial units, up from 94,000, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to financial sustainability.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2024