August 23, 2007	Thursday	Sha’aban 9, 1428

RAWALPINDI, Aug 22: A Japanese municipal services agency will conduct a training programme for the population living along Nullah Leh to prepare them for any emergency situation during monsoon season.

This was stated by head of Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) delegation Mimura Satoru during a meeting with Rawal Town Nazim Sheikh Rashid Shafique here on Wednesday.

District Officer, Fire Brigade, Chaudhry Aziz Ahmad and District Emergency Officer, Rescue 1122, Dr Tanvir Akhtar were also present on the occasion.

The head of the delegation said Jica would hold seminars and workshops aimed at training various groups of people like mosque imams, students, teachers, elected representatives and traders and preparing them to handle flood-like situation in the city.

Mr Mimura said his government wanted to help the people of this country during natural calamities. He also sought the cooperation of the Rawal Town administration so that the population along Nullah Leh could benefit from the programme.

Rawal Town Nazim Sheikh Rashid Shafique told the delegation that the town administration would extend all possible help to Jica to create awareness among the people and save precious lives and property during floods.

He said the Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 could play an important role for the safety of the people living along the banks of Nullah Leh.

District Emergency Officer Dr Tanvir Akhtar said with the cooperation of the Japanese government six devises had been installed at different places including Bhokra, Golra, Saidpur, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Chaklala and near Arid Agriculture University. He said these devices recorded rainfall after every 10 minutes and the details were transferred to the Rescue Office and the PMD.

Dr Akhtar said two devices had also been installed under the Gawalmandi and Katarian bridges that recorded water level there and in case the level touched 20 feet, information was passed on to 10 warning posts set up along Nullah Leh for the safe evacuation of the people.