KARACHI, July 19: Sindh minister for local government Muhammad Hussain will issue explanation call to City Nazim and some of Town Nazims on account of their slackness to deal with rain emergency measures and substandard work on number of roads and roundabouts that have collapsed.

While speaking to newsmen after visiting various parts of Karachi to witness damages caused by the recent rains, the minister deplored the city government for ignoring the plight of the masses and politicising all issues.

During the visit alongwith journalists, Mr Hussain went to Jehangir Road, Burns Road, C-1 Area of Liaquatabad, Mehmoodabad, University Road, 13-D Area of Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Shah Suleman Road and major roads of Liaquatabad.

Over two-feet-deep water was accumulated on the road opposite city government head office, Civic Centre while one-foot-deep water was accumulated on University Road opposite Safari Park. Many roads in Mehmoodabad were witnessed as inaccessible for traffic due to litter and water accumulation. Besides, large caters and ditches were witnessed under Liaquatabad flyover, Garden area and Jehangir Road.

During the visit to Liaquatabad area, the residents took Muhammad Hussain to Al-Farooq ground, where a street has been blocked by the town administration to build garbage collection point.

Expressing concern over the unsanitary conditions in the city, the minister feared about possible outbreak of water borne diseases in Karachi.

When asked about the powers under which the minister could call for explanation from districts or towns, Muhammad Hussain referred to Section-4 and Section-127, which state that the provincial government can issue directives and guidelines to district government through district Nazims over public concern issues.

The minister referred to large trenches and potholes in Jehangir Road and some other roads, which were built only six months back and said that it was nothing, but wastage of public money. He said that it was the responsibility and duty of provincial government to ensure that quality work was being executed from public money.

He expressed his concern over the amount that was spent on building and maintaining roads by the city government. He said action would be taken against defaulting contractors.

Meanwhile, provincial minister for excise and taxation Rauf Siddiqui took serious notice of stagnant water, heap of garbage and non-availability of electricity during his surprise visit to Lines Area on Saturday. — PPI