Giving Ownership

Goth Seengar Foundation started its project with an aim to improve the cleanliness situation in Jacobabad City by engaging with the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) for proper, timely, periodic, and effective solid waste disposal, a work which TMA should be doing otherwise.

Initially, residents of the city were mobilized from eight union councils to male 60 Mohallah Committees, where each Mohallah comprised of 400-500 houses. It was made sure that female residents of the city also take part in the activities. These committees, later, formulated a Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) for effective engagement with TMA.

Besides conducting street theaters and running a cleaning day campaign the COC engaged with the Hindu Community of the City which runs business in some of the major markets of the city like Bano Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, and Shahi Bazaar. In a meeting held at the Hindu Panchaiti Hall (Hindu Community Center) with the elders and community representatives, COC made them aware that being in minority does not deny them their rights and likewise they have a responsibility towards the society.

Through this effort, they were given representation in the COC and by their engagement with the TMA Jacobabad the bazaars which were neglected before are now being cleaned and solid waste collection is being done in a proper manner.

The Hindu Community has taken it upon themselves to engage with the TMA and sustain the initiative. COC is also hopeful that their participation in the drive will make TMA more responsible towards their duties.