THATTA, Sept 11: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that like civilised democratic societies in other countries, the opposition should also have set a precedent by helping rain-hit people of Sindh, instead of wasting time on a non-productive no-confidence move against the deputy speaker of the Sindh Assembly.

Addressing a gathering of people of affected villagers in Jherruk on Sunday near the National Highway, he said that the nation prayed constantly for the rain which no doubt initially benefited Sindh but recent incessant rainfall had an adverse effect on lower Sindh.

He said that he had advised opposition leader Nisar Khuhro to join hands and share sorrows of people of Sindh but being habitual of politicising all sincere moves, he refused this time too.

Arbab Rahim said in view of recent sea intrusion and torrential rain in coastal areas, he had already declared a couple of talukas in Thatta district as calamity stricken and here in hilly terrain of UC Tando Hafiz Shah, UC Sonda and UC Jherruk where an ill-conceived abandoned water reservoir project “German Dhoro” has wrecked havoc during the 19-hour continuous torrential rain in the area, the government was making maximum efforts to give relief and rehabilitate the people.

The chief minister directed the Sindh relief commissioner to coordinate with the Thatta district government and provide food, shelter and other facilities to 3,000 people residing in 40 villages now under knee-deep water.

While issuing directives to Sindh irrigation secretary Shuja Junejo for preparation of a feasibility report for construction of “Khoh Dam” and “German Dhoro Dam” in the area, he said that the government had earmarked funds for construction of small dams in Dadu, Thatta and Tharparkar.

He said the matter of compensation would be tackled shortly after the exact survey of losses.

The chief minister announced construction of an spur and stone pitching of the Indus River along Raju village.

He said that the Sindh government would soon start construction of a bridge on the Indus River near Jherruk town to facilitate communication between Tando Mohammad Khan and Thatta districts.