CDA will procure modern machinery and add manpower to improve waste collection in Islamabad, with a special cleanliness campaign, a 24/7 control room, and tougher action against littering.
What CDA Decided in the Islamabad Sanitation Meeting
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to procure modern machinery to improve garbage collection across Islamabad. The decision was taken in a meeting at CDA Headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
According to a CDA spokesperson, the meeting focused on building a high-standard cleanliness and sanitation system for the federal capital. Officials agreed to immediately meet requirements for new machinery and additional manpower to strengthen both primary and secondary waste collection across the city.
Randhawa stressed that Islamabad needs a complete cleanliness system that resolves sanitation-related issues without delay. This signals that CDA wants a more structured approach instead of short-term fixes, especially as waste volume increases with population growth and commercial activity.
New Machinery, More Manpower and Stronger Waste Collection
CDA’s plan includes bringing in modern equipment and increasing workforce capacity to improve collection performance. Primary collection usually refers to picking up waste from neighborhoods and key points, while secondary collection links to transfer, movement, and handling at larger collection points.
To support this, officials discussed increasing the number of waste containers in both urban and rural areas. CDA will also repair damaged waste containers already installed in the city. In addition, the number of waste collection trolleys will be increased, and more dustbins will be installed to make proper disposal easier for residents.
If implemented consistently, these measures can reduce overflow, prevent open dumping, and improve the cleanliness of streets and markets. However, the real impact will depend on maintenance, route planning, and timely pickups, because new machinery alone does not solve operational gaps.
Three-Bin System for Markets and Community Participation
One key directive is implementing a three-bin system in commercial markets (Marakiz) to support waste separation and recycling. Separating waste at source can reduce landfill pressure and improve recycling outcomes, especially in high-traffic shopping areas where waste is mostly packaging, food, and mixed materials.
Randhawa also said local traders should be included in the cleanliness campaign across commercial markets and trade centers. This is important because shopkeepers and market associations can influence how waste is disposed of daily and can help enforce shared rules.
The chairman further instructed that neighborhood committees should be formed to involve residents in improving sanitation. Community involvement can help identify problem spots, monitor routine performance, and encourage cleaner behavior, especially when official systems face resource constraints.
Fines for Littering, Restaurant Action and 24/7 Monitoring
CDA plans stricter enforcement against littering in commercial areas and markets. Randhawa directed authorities to issue challans and impose fines on individuals who litter. He also said the Islamabad Food Authority should take action against restaurants responsible for improper waste disposal, which is often a major source of street-level waste around busy food areas.
To improve oversight, a 24/7 control room will be established to monitor sanitation operations. CDA also plans to display helpline numbers for citizen complaints on digital screens across Islamabad, aiming to make reporting easier and increase public awareness.
Officials added that wireless sets and new uniforms are being provided to field staff to improve response times and coordination. Finally, CDA decided that licensing and registration will be initiated for scavengers involved in garbage collection in different areas. If structured carefully, this step can help organise informal waste picking, improve safety, and reduce disorder, while still protecting livelihoods.
