Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the provincial government has allocated sufficient funds for cleanliness of storm-water drains and upgradation of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) hospitals.
“Today, I came here to witness the condition of the hospitals and the city so that after the utilisation of funds I can compare the difference,” Shah said.
Shah stated this while talking to media persons at three different locations including Sobhraj Hospital, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Gujjar Nullah during his surprise visit on Monday. He was accompanied by Local Government Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Secretary Health Ahmed Bux Narejo Narejo and Commissioner Karachi Asif Haider Shah.
Shah said that he has released over Rs 1.9 billion for upgradation of KMC hospitals, repair and maintenance of important roads and cleanliness of nullahs. “I have also given them some extra funds to collect filth and garbage accumulated at different locations of the city,” he said and added that the purpose of his visit was to witness the condition of KMC hospitals, nullahs and also to visit the rapid response centers set up to help heat stroke affectees.
He expressed displeasure that the illegal encroachment has appeared along the nullahs. “The nullahs which had a width of over 30 feet have now been reduced to seven to eight feet because people have constructed their houses on and along them,” he added.
The Sindh CM said: “This is our city and it is our duty to keep it neat and clean, green and free from all kinds of encroachment, but nobody takes ownership, even those who claim to be its sole custodians,” he observed.
Talking about the conditions of the hospitals, Sobhraj and Abbasi Shaheed, he said they need special attention. “I am quite satisfied that the district administrations of the city, KMC, DMCs and Health department have collectively made good arrangements by setting up heatstroke care centers,” he said.