LARKANA: PPP MNA Faryal Talpur laid the foundation stone of a project for extension and improvement in the existing sewerage system here on Wednesday in the city that would cost Rs1,130.550 million.

The work on the scheme was kicked off on Dec 15, 2014 and according to the Larkana commissioner, who is also the project director of the scheme, it will be completed by June 30, 2016.

Addressing the ceremony held here at Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Memorial Library, Ms Talpur said the project was launched in the wake of frequent complaints about overflowing gutters and faulty drainage system in Larkana. The North Sindh Urban Services Corporation (NSUSC) was tasked with handling the drainage system but its performance remained unsatisfactory, which compelled the PPP to initiate a new project, she said. Within a couple of months, people would feel a change and there would be no sewage on roads.

She said the job of the elected representatives was not only legislation but also to visit their constituencies and serve their voters who had sent them to assemblies.

She claimed giving more jobs to the people of Larkana on merit and referred to the establishment of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University and Law College.

She without naming said the so-called Thekedars of Sindh whenever came in power, they sold out Sindh, but it was the PPP that always served the masses and that was why people voted them to power.

She disputed the news about leasing out Sambara Inn hotel, adding that the government would carry out further development work in it.

In reply to a question, she brushed aside the impression about her interfering in government’s affairs. She said the PPP served as what she called a ‘bridge’ between the government and the elected representatives.Answering another question, she said there were no differences between Asif Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. “He (Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari) is like my son,” she said. “He is educated and sometimes shares his opinion,” she said and disclosed that Bilawal would soon be with people in Pakistan.

Calling the petrol crisis as ‘artificial’, she said the PPP had called for a session of the National Assembly on the issue.

Briefing MNA Ms Faryal Talpur about the mega scheme, Larkana Commissioner Dr Saeed Ahmed Mangnejo said 33km new lines would be laid along with constructing 8.5km cemented roads.

He said the original project was of Rs829.400 million, but realising gravity of the situation, it was revised. The project would also focus on stopping release of sewerage water into Rice Canal so as to update the pumping stations and clear Rice Canal of sewage.

MNA Ayaz Soomro, who is also the PPP Larkana district president, also addressed the meeting. MNAs Nazeer Bughio, Ramesh Lal, MPA Khursheed Junejo, Suhail Siyal and other party leaders were present in the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2015

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