August 12, 2008	Tuesday	Sha'aban 9, 1429

DERA GHAZI KHAN, Aug 11: At least 13 key administrative posts are lying vacant in Rajanpur district since long and this scarcity of officers has indeed affected the performance of the district government when it encountered the flood calamity.

According to sources, neither the previous district coordination officers (DCOs) nor other authorities concerned had paid heed to fill these vacancies and their indifference had indeed played havoc with the performance of the district government as it could not effectively tackle the post-calamity situation.

Sources told Dawn that the Rahim Yar Khan executive district officer (EDO) for works and services holds additional charge of the same post in Rajanpur district. Similarly, Layyah district officer (DO) for labour holds additional charge of the same post in Rajanpur.

The posts of Rajanpur EDO finance and planning, revenue, works and services and community development were lying vacant beside the posts of DO of roads, agriculture, environment, labour, coordination, law and accounts and of two deputy district officers (DDOs).

Sources said that junior officers or additional charge holders were performing the duties of EDOs and the calamity had in fact exposed their proficiency in governance issues.

When Dawn contacted DCO Muhammad Ameen Chaudhry, he refused to comment on these vacancies.

Sources said that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had directed the suspension of ‘inept’ officers of the district government from service during his visit to the flood-hit areas of Rajanpur district perhaps without taking into consideration this aspect of the matter.

It is pertinent to mention here that only one officer, Jampur DDO for revenue, was actually suspended from service following the chief minister’s directives.

On the other hand, District Nazim Barrister Ali Raza Dareshak, who belongs to the PML-Q, has no coordination with the district administration and this factor also hampered the effectiveness of the relief and rehabilitation task.

According to sources, the district administration was following the directives issued by local MNAs and MPAs instead of the district nazim.

When Dawn tried to contact him for his comment, his cell phone was found switched off.

Philanthropist and social activist Kamran Sharif, who is carrying out relief work in the flood-hit areas, told Dawn that Chak Masers, Ahmadani, Sarai and Surani localities were still surrounded by the floodwater.

He said that skin diseases and gastroenteritis were common in the flood-hit areas and health department should set up more camps to treat the victims.

He said that quantity of packed food was also insufficient to meet the growing demands.

He also highlighted the plight of livestock in flood-stricken areas.

“No one, neither the district government nor private donors, is providing fodder to them, risking the lives of thousands of cattle heads in the calamity-hit areas.”