KARACHI, Dec 1: Adviser to Chief Minister for Local Government Waseem Akhtar has issued strict instructions to all Town Municipal Officers (TMOs) to improve the quality of sanitation in their areas and especially focus on cleanliness.

He issued these directive while presiding over a review meeting with the TMOs at his office on Wednesday.

He expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of various towns during cleanliness campaigns and said it is the responsibility of officers in the local bodies to provide relief to people and not let residents complain about health and sanitation, sewerage and other municipal matters.

Mr Waseem pointed out that the very objective of the present system is to solve the problems of the people at their doorsteps. He reiterated the present government's resolve to strive for a clean and healthy environment and provide all facilities to the people.

He directed the TMOs to give priority to cleanliness and chalk out coordinated programmes in this regard for which Sindh and City Governments will fully facilitate them.

During the meeting, the Adviser issued directives for immediate completion of Perveen Shakir Road in North Karachi, immediate disconnection of illegal water connections in Junejo Town of Jamshed Town, removal of encroachments from Muslim Star ground in Block-L, North Nazimabad.

He asked the Managing Director, SITE to immediately stop the disposal of garbage and other waste of factories on roads. It was decided that in order to have a regular review of performance of the Towns, such meetings will be held on monthly basis.

The Adviser said in case of any financial or administrative mal-practices detected in any Town projects, the same should be sent to Sindh Local Government Commission in a report so that misuse of public funds could be checked.

On the occasion he questioned the TMO Liaquatabad regarding instantiation on many roads of the Town. He told the KWSB officials regarding too many leakages in water supply lines in Baldia Town and called for their immediate rectification.

He issued similar directives regarding leakage's in Orangi Town. He cautioned the TMOs of action if problems in their respective Towns were not tackled. In the meeting the TMOs briefed the Adviser about the details of sanitation campaign launched on the directive of Sindh Governor.

Among others, the meeting was attended by additional secretary, local government Aslam Pathan, EDO F&P Shakil Naqvi, DMD Water Board Israr Zaidi, Chief Engineer Sewerage besides TMOs of 18 towns. -APP