PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government and Rural Development Department, in collaboration with UNICEF, on Tuesday launched a pilot project aimed at ensuring the sustainable operation of Integrated Resource and Recovery Centres (IRRCs) in Kohat and Haripur.
The launching ceremony was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, senior officials of the Local Government Department, representatives of UNICEF and other relevant stakeholders.
Addressing the event, Shafi Jan said the world was rapidly transitioning towards modern, circular solid waste management systems. He noted that China plans to recycle and reuse nearly 480 million tonnes of solid waste annually by 2030, demonstrating how waste can be transformed into an economic resource through strategic planning, technology and innovation.
He said that in Pakistan as well, effective solid waste recycling has the potential to significantly reduce environmental pollution while generating sustainable revenue. However, he observed that the lack of continuity in development initiatives has remained a key challenge, often limiting the long-term impact of public sector projects.
The chief minister’s aide emphasised that policy continuity in governance has been a persistent issue across successive governments and requires sustained and focused attention to achieve meaningful results.
Appreciating UNICEF’s technical and institutional support, Shafi Jan said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, was committed to translating innovative concepts into practical, on-ground solutions.
He stressed that development projects must be implemented without unnecessary delays and with ensured continuity, adding that service charges should be kept at a minimum so as not to place an additional financial burden on the public.
Shafi Jan further stated that governance in the province was steadily improving under the present leadership, noting that the provincial government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. He added that the government’s performance during its first 100 days would be shared transparently with the public next month.
Highlighting the strategic role of the Local Government Department, he described it as the backbone of provincial governance and said that the adoption of modern technologies could open up new and sustainable revenue streams. Referring to Australia as an example, he said effective solid waste management has played a significant role in strengthening its economy.
He concluded by saying that recycling of solid waste and wastewater for reuse can not only improve environmental outcomes but also support long-term economic sustainability. Expressing confidence in the initiative, he said the pilot IRRC project launched in Kohat and Haripur would deliver tangible benefits for the province and serve as a scalable model for the rest of the country.
