Mingora, Swat (Khyber Mail): A seminar on Solid Waste Management (SWM), organized under the Oxford Policy Management’s Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme, convened key stakeholders to discuss innovative practices and future strategies in waste management. The event showcased the transformative outcomes of pilot projects implemented in Babuzai and Bahrain Tehsils.
Chief Guest Muzzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Finance, lauded the SWM pilots as exemplary models for other districts. He emphasized the significance of Carbon Credits and Carbon Markets in fostering sustainable development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling this approach across the province. He also highlighted the integration of climate resilience into governance frameworks and the potential for recycling-based industries to enhance Own Source Revenue (OSR).
Commissioner Malakand Division, Muhammad Abid Khan, commended the technical support provided by the SNG Programme and the efforts of TMA Bahrain. He expressed a strong desire to extend these projects across the entire Malakand Division, starting with District Dir Lower and Malakand.
Dr. Vaqar Ahmad, Senior Governance Advisor for the SNG Programme, emphasized the scalability of the pilot projects, stressing the importance of cost recovery mechanisms. He also noted the provincial government’s plans to allocate funds for similar initiatives in Haripur and Mansehra.
Jo Moir, Development Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), praised the SNG Programme’s problem-driven, iterative approach, which has improved service delivery, cost recovery, and citizen satisfaction. She called for institutionalizing these practices to ensure their long-term sustainability.
Dr. Raheal A. Siddiqui, Provincial Team Lead for the SNG Programme, highlighted the critical role of evidence-based policymaking and strategic collaboration in driving lasting reforms. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and reiterated the programme’s commitment to environmental sustainability and enhanced service delivery.
The seminar concluded with a collective call to expand and sustain these reforms, ensuring their benefits reach communities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.