Strategies Should Be Implemented To address Issue Of Nullahs: Najam Shah
By Our Web Reporter
KARACHI– Secretary Local Government, Housing and Town Planning, Sindh Engineer Syed Najam Ahmad Shah has said that encroachments on drains should be eliminated without any discrimination, no matter how powerful the occupiers are, no concessions should be made. These views were expressed by Secretary Local Government Engineer Syed Najam Ahmad Shah while addressing a meeting held at his office in which the Metropolitan Commissioner Karachi, MD Solid Waste and MD Water Board, all DMCs representatives, District Administrators, District Council Karachi, and Representatives of Commissioner Karachi office were present.
Najam Ahmad Shah said that Gulistan-e-Zafar Nalla should be completely cleared from the occupiers within two weeks and a report should be submitted to him and no concession should be made to any influential person. Addressing all the Municipal Commissioners and Administrators present at the meeting, the Secretary Local Government Sindh said that an integrated strategy needs to be implemented to address the important and critical issue of Nullahs cleaning in a timely manner and therefore a centralized policy should be formulated in this regard. The meeting unanimously agreed to adopt the contract management method on a district basis for cleaning storm drains. It was also decided that all DMCs will be responsible for the cleaning of stormwater drains within their jurisdiction and the cleaning of KMC drains will be done by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation itself.
The Secretary Local Government Sindh issued orders that field monitoring would be carried out by the concerned DMCs during the cleaning of drains. The meeting also agreed that separate tenders would be issued for the repair of drains. Najam Ahmad Shah directed the Metropolitan Commissioner Karachi to complete the process of identification of all the choking points within seven days and submit a report to the office.
For the immediate implementation of comprehensive measures during the expected rains, the Secretary Local Government Sindh directed the MD Water Board to keep all de-watering pumps fully operational and ready, Diesel, electricity, and pump operating staff should be present at the pumping stations 24/7 and a plan of action should be prepared in advance at the next meeting with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
During the meeting, the Secretary Local Government of Sindh directed to issue a notice to MC East for his non-attendance and to appear in person within 48 hours and give an explanation. Engineer Syed Najam Ahmad Shah warned that all officers should ensure their attendance of official meetings without any hindrance and dedicate themselves to the service of the people.
Later in the conversation with our correspondent Sindh Local Government Secretary said that meetings are being held regularly regarding pre-monsoon preparations and actions against encroachments are expedite.
