The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has set his sights on significantly improving the living conditions in Peshawar, the province's historic capital. However, urban planning experts and local observers emphasize that the city's dramatic expansion over recent decades renders traditional urban management approaches ineffective. A modern, multi-faceted strategy is urgently required to steer Peshawar towards its potential future as a major metropolitan hub.
Tackling the Dust and Drainage Crisis
One of the most visible and persistent issues plaguing Peshawar's residents is the omnipresent dust. This problem is largely attributed to dirt on roads, which is pulverized into fine particles by constant traffic. A proposed solution involves the Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) adopting mechanical road cleaning techniques similar to those used in Bahria Town Rawalpindi. This would entail deploying cleaner machines mounted on jeeps and tractors to systematically remove dust and mud from the streets.
Furthermore, to prevent mud from being dragged onto roads in the first place, non-cemented areas adjacent to roads should be either paved or enclosed with small barriers. Improving road drainage systems is another critical component of this clean-up initiative, ensuring water does not accumulate and further degrade road surfaces.
Infrastructure and Digital Governance Reforms
Beyond immediate cleanliness, structural reforms are needed. There is a strong call for Peshawar to have a KP-owned and operated electricity supply company that directly utilizes power generated within the province. This could lead to more reliable and potentially affordable electricity for the city's homes and businesses.
In a push for digital governance, the road maintenance department is advised to launch a dedicated mobile application or website. This platform would allow citizens to actively participate in city upkeep by uploading photographs and pinpointing locations of damaged roads. Such a system would enable quicker repairs, preventing minor issues from escalating into larger, more expensive problems.
Planned Development and Revenue Generation
For sustainable growth, Peshawar requires planned commercial development to expand office spaces, shops, and industrial zones in an organized manner. The government is also urged to regulate and license food carts across the city. To maintain hygiene and quality, the authorities could provide standardized, hygienic food carts and items to the license holders.
A key to self-sufficiency is enhancing the city's revenue streams. Experts recommend establishing a dedicated municipal office focused on exploring innovative revenue generation methods. This could include optimizing income from:
- Business licenses and permits
- Rental of advertising boards
- Organization of sports and social events
With improved management and robust revenue generation, Peshawar holds great potential to evolve into a megacity. Supporting this growth will also necessitate the city's planned expansion into the adjacent Khyber region, providing much-needed space for its burgeoning population and economic activities.
