KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that the city’s Yousuf Goth and other areas were submerged in water during the recent torrential rains because of the “laziness” of the District Municipal Corporations (DMCs). He has also directed Local Government Minister Jam Khan Shoro to take action against “thieves” and submit a report in this regard.
While chairing a meeting in Karachi on Tuesday, the chief minister expressed his displeasure at the failure of municipal officers to fulfil their responsibilities to clear water-logged roads and minimise rain-related incidents in the provincial capital.
The chief minister also expressed his displeasure over the performance of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board and said that the department failed to do its work despite having a workforce of 12,000 employees.
Local government officials also updated Shah about their respective departments’ performance during rain.
At least 13 people, including four children, died after heavy rainfall on Thursday lashed the metropolis which saw Army contingents being deployed to assist in rescue efforts.
A breach in Thado dam, a rainwater retention dam situated on Malir River, flooded two nearby villages and Saadi Town.
The situation prompted the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Sindh Rangers’ contingents to carry out rescue efforts in the affected localities.
The northern areas of Karachi were the worst affected, with rainwater flooding homes and other structures in low-lying areas.
The downpour not only resulted in closing down of around 90 per cent of the city’s markets but also led to a halt in traffic on the link road of National Highway and Super Highway as the Goods’ Transport Association decided its vehicles would stay put till the situation improves.
Traders suffered losses worth Rs100 million, according to All Karachi Trade Union Chairman Ateeq Mir.
Blaming the government, he said that the losses occurred due to the local government being woefully unprepared.