Minister dispels impression that development funds are aimed at influencing upcoming local govt elections in PPP’s favour
The Sindh government on Monday announced a Rs 150 billion development package for Karachi.
Sharing details of the Karachi Package with the media, Provincial Minister for Local Bodies Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said it aimed at addressing the problems faced by the inhabitants of the metropolis.
“Focus would be on ameliorating civic facilities, including provision for emergency services, public transport, water and drainage system besides recreational facilities,” said the minister.
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said equal attention was being paid to refurbishment of infrastructure with specific reference to road infrastructure including thoroughfares, service lanes, bridges, flyovers and underpasses.
Dispelling the impression that the PPP government’s Karachi Package might be meant to influence the forthcoming local government elections, the minister said work on projects envisaged under the package would begin by the end of the current year and it would be completed by 2018.
Replying to a question, the minister said the PPP government was fully conscious of the deficiencies in essential emergency services and that it intended to strengthen it along modern lines.
“This will be updated and modernized with equal attention towards training of the fire fighters, workers and volunteers associated with the relevant services” said the minister for local bodies.
He mentioned that a mechanism was already underway to streamline coordination among all concerned agencies particularly water board, ambulance service and health services to address emergency situations in the metropolis.
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that Pakistan People’s Party holds strong roots among the masses including the people of Karachi.
