KARACHI: Sindh Local Bodies Minister Saeed Ghani on Thursday assured city Mayor Wasim Akhtar of the Sindh government’s cooperation within the parameters of law and said that the mayor would be given administrative powers to run the city under the law.

He said that there was no dispute between the provincial and the municipal administration of the city and “we have resolved to work for the betterment of people without considering our respective political affiliations”.

The local bodies’ minister was addressing a joint press conference with the mayor at the head office of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.

‘There is no conflict between the provincial govt and the municipal administration’

Mr Ghani said an impression was given as if there were some “reasons” for not meeting the city mayor.

He vehemently dispelled this impression and said that he had started meeting the mayors and chairmen of all cities and districts across the province.

The minister said that basic purpose of the meeting was to resolve the problems of the people through meeting all chairmen of Karachi’s six districts.

He said that he and the mayor had the responsibility to resolve the problems of the people.

The minister said there was no conflict between the provincial government and the municipal administration and he would try to help the mayor within the limits of law and even go to the chief minister to resolve the problems of the people collectively.

Responding to a question that there was also a need to revise the local government system, he said that amendments to the 2013 LG act could be made through the provincial assembly.

The mayor also said that the municipal administration and the provincial government would work jointly for the betterment of the city.

Responding to a question, Mr Ghani said the city was getting only 35 per cent of its required capacity of water.

He said that water to the city was supplied from river and the only solution to overcome the water shortage in the city was establishment of desalination plant at the sea.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2018