THE government has recently enlisted the services of a Turkish company for handling road sweeping, waste collection and maintenance of residential areas, including Q asimabad, in Hyderabad. While the initiative aims at fostering hygienic conditions for the city`s residents, people do have some reservations about the execution of these services.

The cleaning staff, equipped with brooms, are seen on the streets around 7am every day. The way they go abouttheirtask contradicts the very purpose of their mandate.

Rather than enhancing cleanliness, they are contributing to a surge in health-related issues, particularly dust allergies.

They stir up dust into the air, exposing pedestrians and passers-by to potentially harmful particulate matter.

This activity poses a significant health risk, particularly to individuals already with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, tuberculosis and other complications.

Additionally, this airborne dust contaminates thefood served by roadside eateries, further compromising public health. The concern extends beyond the public to the wellbeing of the cleaning staff themselves, who are also at the risk of developing dust-related allergies due to the current cleaning practices.

A simple solution to mitigate this problem is to introduce a light mist of water during the cleaning process to prevent dust from getting airborne. I find it perplexing that the government would contract a company seemingly lacking in basic environmental sense.

The authorities concerned should address this matter promptly and instructthe private contractorto adopt proper procedures that may prioritise and help reduce health risks, ensuring safety of its staff and the general public.

Ayaz Ali Samo Jamshoro