BADIN, April 11: Sindh Governor Mohammedmian Soomro has urged the people of Badin to take part in the presidential referendum and cast their vote in “Yes” for the continuation of reforms initiated by the government.

Addressing the Nazims, councillors and citizens at circuit house here on Thursday, he appealed the women councillors to strengthen the hands of General Pervez Musharraf by motivating womenfolk to vote in the referendum.

The governor underlined the need for creating public awareness about the basic and vital improvement that would took place under the power devolution plan.

He said the devolution plan was aimed at transfer of powers at gross root level and the councillors had to play an important role in this regard.

He said the government was concerned about the rights of small province and Sindh’s water share would be provided to it.

Earlier, Badin District Nazim Kamal Khan Chang, in his welcome speech, assured the governor of his district government’s support in the referendum.

He demanded transfer of powers at the union council level, royalty of oil, status of drought-hit district for Badin, connections of gas to district towns and provision of handpumps to overcome severe water shortage.

On this occasion the Sindh minister for irrigation also spoke.

Later, the governor met with several delegations including those of growers, women and citizens.

In a meeting with Nazims and Naib Nazims of the district, the elected representatives assured Mr Soomro of participating in referendum and voting for the president.

The governor also gave instructions to the district administration not to apply coercive measures for recovery of government dues.

Talking to newsmen, he said he hoped a large turnout in Badin district in the referendum.

To a question he said the Greater Thal Canal Project was a part of 1991 Water Accord the implementation of which could not be opposed.

However he said the other province would receive only its share of water even after the construction of the canal.