KARACHI: Two people were injured when a group of trash pickers thrashed the workers of a garbage contractor in Akhtar Colony after a dispute over collection of garbage in the area.
The incident took place in Union Council-1 of Akhtar Colony when the workers of a private garbage company reached the area to pick the trash for disposal but were prevented from collecting by another group of trash pickers who insisted they have the right to collect the garbage.
While the city is a severe garbage disposal crisis, sources informed that dispute erupted due to the interference of UC-1 secretary. A private security firm Clean Force has been given the contract illegally to collect garbage in various parts of the city including Akhtar Colony.
The video of the incident showed the employees of the garbage company in blue uniforms being thrashed by Afghan trash pickers with sticks who claimed they have the right to collect the garbage.
According to police, Afghan refugees earlier used to pick garbage from the point before the incident. Police said the row over garbage picking was ongoing for last few days and further investigation is underway.
Local residents said the Afghan trash pickers receive Rs300 from each house in the area which leads to a huge collection. The main responsibility of the garbage collection lies with the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) which has given the contract to a Chinese company.
Despite the written agreement, the awarding of illegal contracts leads to frequent disputes over garbage collection. Local police have started an investigation on the complaint of the Clean Force company.
