Haryali Hubs saved 217.4 tonnes of valuable waste from reaching landfills across four UCs in Karachi, initiating a trend in waste sorting jobs and offering direct livelihood opportunities to 76 local residents.

Urban centers such as Karachi ought to implement recycling systems, and the Haryali Hub serves as a platform to understand the recycling of household waste. Jonathan Johnson, Country Director of Tearfund, emphasized this during a concluding workshop held jointly by Tearfund and the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB).

During the event, Mr. Tariq Ali Nizamani, Executive Director of Operations at SSWMB, expressed that the waste management technique employed in this model should have been implemented around 30 years ago. He highlighted the significant potential in waste, emphasizing the ability to generate revenue and offer livelihood opportunities for locals, in addition to the health and environmental benefits.

Sajid Gulzar, Project Director at Tearfund, mentioned that the project has created 76 direct livelihood opportunities for the local community at both Haryali Hubs, promoting green jobs and initiating a new trend in waste sorting and segregation. The trend’s acceleration depends on replicating such models in the province.

A two-bin concept was introduced in communities, sensitizing residents and local communities to separate dry waste and kitchen waste into designated bins for easy recycling.

Haryali Hubs primarily recycle two types of waste: transforming kitchen waste into green compost and converting polyethylene bags into waste bins and other unique products.

Asher Loyal, MEL-R Coordinator, highlighted their contribution to four UN SDGs: SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), and SDG 13 (climate action).

During the workshop, Syed Junaid Bashir, Stakeholder and Community Engagement Coordinator discussed the significant challenges encountered in the success of the Haryali Hub project. The project commenced with sensitizing local communities about proper waste management, recycling and saving the environment and health.

The occasion was attended by a diverse group of participants, including government departments, academia, media personnel, and Haryali Hub staff and was applauded by the audience.