By Our Web Reporter
KARACHI– Administrator Karachi Laiq Ahmed has said that due to better preparation this year than last year, it is hoped that the monsoon season will not be like the previous years, with the onset of rains in Karachi all the relevant departments will be active and they will be seen on the streets themselves, an emergency plan has been drawn up, dewatering pumps and staff are on standby to provide timely assistance to citizens, he told VOA in Karachi.
Giving an interview regarding the arrangements for the monsoon season, Administrator Karachi said that there are many issues in Karachi in this regard, these are just the beginning and at present, all the focus is on cleaning the drains, improving the infrastructure, and the monsoon season. He said that re-vamping of three major drains is underway but re-vamping of all storm drains is necessary. He said that KMC has 44 drains and DMCs have 514 drains which need to be de-silted continuously.
The current operation has been going on for one month and it will continue for three months. During which all the choking points are being removed, DMCs, cantonment boards, and other local bodies are making preparations at their respective levels, he said, adding that Karachi is a huge city and construction continues here throughout the year. Many of the impacts on Karachi’s infrastructure and sewerage system are exacerbated and the problems are exacerbated.
The machinery available to civic bodies for drainage works has expired and is now in maintenance. While the need is met through more machinery, dumpers, loaders are hired and used in different parts of the city, Administrator Karachi said that I have written a letter to Commissioner Karachi in which they are requested to enforce section 144 on coastal places due to floods in the sea and immediately evacuate the citizens in the sea. Bathing should be banned, he said, adding that the loss of precious lives due to electrocution and other accidents during monsoons is very sad.
To ensure the safety of the citizens, Administrator Karachi Laiq Ahmed said that civil society is also working together to improve and develop the infrastructure in the city, and information in this regard has been exchanged with them. He also assured the supply of de-watering pumps and other measures on his own. He said that 11 underpasses in Karachi would be constructed this year to alleviate the situation created by the flooding of underpasses due to rains during the previous years. Necessary steps have also been taken to maintain the flow of traffic and de-watering pumps there. Every effort is being made to protect the citizens from any untoward situation during the monsoon.
