A task-force, formed under the leadership of the joint secretary of the Ministry of Local Development some two months ago, is all geared to submit a draft bill relating to solid waste management to the government in two weeks time. As it relates to one of the most essential public services, the draft bill being prepared holds special significance for the Valley residents. Most importantly, it contains a provision whereby the local administration can impose ban on all kinds of ‘obstructions’ like the recurrent strikes, lockouts and other forms of protests so that the wastes are collected, transported and dumped properly, and on time.

In fact, the existing Essential Services Act 1957 too has a similar provision relating to imposition of restrictions on strikes in important service systems. But the ministry officials have not been able to prevent agitating locals or municipality workers from going on strikes often, thereby disrupting the daily waste collection in Kathmandu. Thus imposing stringent measures alone would not ensure collection and dumping of garbage and other waste materials on time. It is equally important to hold talks with the aggrieved parties and all other stakeholders to solve this problem once and for all. The workers and locals must be made to realise their duty and the inconvenience their actions are causing to other people. The roles to be played by the government, local bodies and communities too must be clearly defined.