All vulnerable points at protective bunds along with Indus River would be strengthened and a large sum of money under the guidelines of well-experienced irrigation consultants is being spent for this purpose, Sindh Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism Minister Ayaz Soomro said on Sunday.
“Any slackness while maintaining the quality and standard of work would not be tolerated,” he added. The minister was talking to the media after visiting various protective bunds. Soomro said that President Asif Ali Zardari wants the protective bunds completely repaired and strengthened prior to the upcoming flood season.
“Sindh depends on the agriculture sector, which is backbone of our economy… we have lost precious lives and properties during last year’s floods and it’s our collective and national duty to prove ourselves as a responsible nation and secure our irrigation system including the Sukkur, Guddu and Kotri barrages and their command areas and canals,” he added.
He further said that riverine forests and trees naturally protect against floods and but they have been badly destroyed. “It’s necessary to develop nurseries of trees and the people residing in kachcha and pacca area should plant a sapling on tree plantation days so as to create a people-friendly environment,” he added.
The minister said that the Sindh government, under the dynamic leadership of chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, has chalked out comprehensive programmes to rehabilitate the flood-affected people and development work is under way in the affected areas as well. “The PPP is the representative of the downtrodden people. It has come into power though the mandate of the people and never believes in backdoor channels,” he added.
“We were democratic and patriotic… it is our collective responsibility to play our due role, work hard and foil all kinds of conspiracies hatched by anti-democratic elements, which don’t wish to see democracy strengthen in the country.” The minister said that Sindh government is working hard to provide relief to the people in next budget.
“The provincial government plans to create more job opportunities and introduce various training programmes.”