KARACHI, Aug 31: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the performance of different government agencies in controlling pollution and damage to the flora and fauna off Karachi coast in the wake of oil slick caused by spillage from a broken Greek oil tanker Tasman Spirit.

The PM’s remarks came during a presentation by the Chairman of Karachi Port Trust Vice-Admiral Ahmed Hayat.

Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Adviser to the CM on Environment Faisal Malik Gabol, Commander Karachi Vice-Admiral Irfan and secretary environment were also present on the occasion.

Mr Jamali was informed that the biggest ever disaster of this nature in the country had been fought back diligently and devotedly by the personnel of the KPT, navy, army and city government despite lack of proper equipment and expertise.

The PM was also informed that the left-over oil in the vessel would be off-loaded in a short span of time. The affected area is expected to be cleaned up by the end of this month.

He was told by the KPT official that an estimate of the devastation caused to the channel, port, beaches, fishermen, residents and dock workers was being worked out for the purpose of preparing claims.

Mr Jamali was further informed that ecosystem of the affected area had severely been damaged while marine life and coastal habitat, including seafood and mangroves, wiped out. The slick will have far-reaching implications for a long time on marine life as well as the people concerned with the port and sea.

The PM directed KPT to gear up the rescue and rehabilitation work further to save people and resources.

AFFECTED WORKERS: The health department of city government has taken measures for the testing of blood samples obtained from the labourers engaged in beach-cleaning work at Clifton.