Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui, while implementing the orders of Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, on Tuesday directed the immediate removal of all structures in the vicinity of storm water drains across the metropolis.
According to sources, a meeting with the heads of different civic agencies was held in which the commissioner ordered cancellation of allotment orders issued to individuals as well as groups for building structures on or near storm drains.
Siddiqui noted that there was a lack of coordination between different departments which was making a mockery of government services.
He further expressed displeasure over the failure of the officials concerned to prevent the improper functioning of sewerage and storm drains.
The commissioner said that there was need for a Rain Emergency Plan which would ensure cooperation between district administrations and agencies such as KMC, Cantonment Boards and other service agencies.
The contingency plan would manage all the gadgets, machines, vehicles and manpower available with each department to ease next monsoon’s blow.
Siddiqui said the meteorological department was also being approached to ensure uninterrupted weather forecasts for the city so that all municipal agencies could gear up beforehand.
He said in the meeting that people from affected areas would be provided potable water through Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) tankers. People from the rain affected areas, particularly those living in the slums, must also be provided food at the camps established for them in Gadap, Bin Qasim Town and Liaqutabad, the commissioner said. He told reporters that he had also ordered immediate halt to construction of all building projects near a rain water and storm drain at Pehelwan goth. About the preventive measures against dengue and malaria, the commissioner said spray and fumigation campaigns were being intensified and improved. He said all senior directors of medical services, Karachi Municipal Committee Dr. Ali Abbasi had meanwhile, also been appointed as a focal person to supervise spray and fumigation exercise.
In reply to a question, he said the rain emergency plan for the city was being reviewed by a two member committee that also includes the additional commissioner.
