KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to release Rs100 million to complete cleaning and desilting of storm drains in the city before the approaching monsoon, it emerged on Wednesday.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting attended by senior officials of the provincial government, Karachi commissioner and district officials at the Sindh secretariat.

Hurdles in the work such as encroachment on the drains were also discussed at the meeting.

Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui reportedly informed the meeting that the KMC removed silt from major drains but it was facing problems due to lack of funds. He was of the opinion that it needed at least Rs270 million for distribution among the KMCs, DMCs and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board for the removal of silt from drains. He added that Rs200 million was required for the KMC and Rs10m each for the DMC and the KWSB.

Finance Secretary Sohail Rajput said the provincial government had already been facing funds shortage and proposed that the government release up to Rs100 million for the task of cleaning and desilting of drains.

The participants in the meeting appreciated work being carried out by labourers who risked their lives and health while working under culverts and bridges.

The chief secretary, who chaired the meeting, took serious notice of the fumigation campaign that had been stopped some time back for unspecified reasons and directed the officials concerned for its immediate resumption.

The Korangi deputy commissioner, who also has the charge of deputy commission of district south, informed other participants about the problems being faced for the removal of silt from drain in Machhar Colony. Similarly, the deputy commissioner of district central explained the challenges being faced in the removal of silt from Gujjar Nala, especially its portion that passes through KBR and Ziauddin Hospital where ‘heavy encroachments’ alongside the drain existed, hampering access of heavy machinery to the place.

The meeting decided that the finance secretary would release Rs100 million for distribution among the KMC and DMCs as per their requirment and quantum of work and function.

The chief secretary directed the officials concerned to ensure functioning of pumping stations in rains to avoid accumulation of rainwater on streets and roads.

It was also decided that officials would ensure pruning of trees to avoid any untoward situation.

The deputy commissioners were asked to make necessary arrangements for the removal of silt from drains in their respective area of responsibility. It was decided that silt removal work would be monitored by the Karachi commissioner and KMC administrator who would conduct joint visits to different areas.

The officials were asked to ensure availability of sufficient number of dewatering pumps during the monsoon season.

Published in Dawn, July 24th , 2014