KARACHI, Feb 23: Taking notice of the absence of sanitary workers for a long period, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on Friday warned that stern action would taken against those who would stay away from their duties for more than three months, and directed the officials concerned to replace such workers with new ones on a contract basis.

The nazim was speaking at a meeting with nazims, naib nazims and councillors of certain union councils during his visit to Jamshed Town where people from localities of UC 10 and 12 had also gathered. He heard people’s grievances and issued directives for appropriate action.

He was apprised of the problems being faced by the residents of Jamshed Road, Martin Quarters, Bihar Colony, Soldier Bazaar, Nishtar Park and adjacent localities, said a statement issued from the nazim’s secretariat.

He also asked councillors to monitor sanitation conditions in their respective areas and impressed upon nazims and naib nazims of towns to coordinate with councillors for better results with regard to civic conditions.

Mr Kamal also ordered removal of garbage and debris dumped along various roads, and said that UC members would be held responsible if unhygienic conditions prevailed in their respective jurisdictions.

The city nazim said stern action be taken against inspectors, sub-inspectors and DDOs if poor sanitation arrangements were noticed in their areas.

EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam, Jamshed Town Nazim Arif Ajakia, officers of Works & Services and Health Department, and officials of the Water & Sewerage Board were present on the occasion.

Mr Kamal said he would pay surprise visits to review sanitation conditions and hear people about the cleanliness drive and its results. He told people to contact nazims and naib nazims of town or UCs to get their problems resolved, and said the public representatives were available round the clock.