KARACHI, July 4: The caretaker of city government, Fazlur Rehman, has directed the works and services department to immediately start emergency repair work of embankments of Malir River in view of the expected monsoon rains. The caretaker, accompanied by EDO (Works and Services), had a detailed visit of 26km-long embankment on Monday.

Fazlur Rehman was informed that Malir River was flooded in 1977 due to torrential rains and besides loss of hundreds of lives, serious damage worth billions of rupees was caused to Korangi Industrial Area. Though the embankment was constructed, it had not been repaired so far.

He was told that protection of millions of people, properties worth millions of rupees was linked to the safety of this embankment, and therefore, its repair and maintenance was essential. For this purpose, a report has been submitted in which the cost has been estimated at Rs20.75 million.

Meanwhile, Landhi Town has formulated a rain emergency plan and allocated Rs100,000 to cope with emergent requirements of the town including necessary equipment and rehabilitation services.

According to a press release issued here on Monday, rain emergency centres have been set up at head office building with telephone number 5082651 and at Sir Syed Library, Chiragh Hotel, Landhi No 5 with phone number 5032493.

Two vehicles of parks department and 31 sanitation vehicles will be engaged in relief operations. Camps have also been set up at Govt Boys Primary School, Muazaffarabad Colony; Govt Primary School, Dawood Chowrangi; and Govt Boys Primary School, New Mansehra Colony.—APP/PPI