SUKKUR: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited Sukkur Barrage and Ulra Jagir flood protective dyke at the Indus in Khairpur on Sunday and asked the authorities concerned to further strengthen embankments.

During the visit, he was informed that adequate arrangements had been made to tackle the flood threat in Sindh.

According to an official press release, Sindh Irrigation Minister Nisar Khuhro and Irrigation Secretary Zaheer Hyder Shah told Mr Bilawal during a briefing at the Sukkur Barrage office that stones in a huge quantity and machinery had been made available at 46 sensitive places along the river, where the irrigation staff was also present round the clock.

Mr Khuhro said the flood situation was being regularly monitored at the barrages and dykes, adding that the government was prepared to tackle any untoward situation.

He said that stones, machinery and other required material were rapidly sent to those parts of the dykes where water pressure mounted. He said preparations had been made to face any eventuality. Flood-fighting is being carried out at the spots and there is no threat as government machinery is alert.

Mr Khuhro said that rescue and relief work was under way in the katcha areas.

Mr Bilawal issued directives to further strengthen the river dykes and intensify their monitoring.

PPP chairman asks officials to strengthen embankments

Later, the PPP leader visited the Ulra Jagir Bund at Khairpur and relief camps set up for flood-affected people. He assured them that the PPP government in the province would not leave them in this hour of trial. Flood-hit people would be extended all kind of help, he said and added that strengthening the dykes was the top priority of the government.

Mr Bilawal distributed relief goods among the dwellers of camps. He asked for the flood situation and arrangements made by the government for the affected.

He also talked to scouts and volunteers taking part in relief work. He visited a temporary school set up for flood-hit children and exchanged greetings with teachers and students.

Earlier on his arrival at Sukkur airport, Mr Bilawal was received by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Local Bodies Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and others.

People of Sukkur faced problems when different roads in the city were closed as part of security arrangement made for Mr Bilawal.

Traffic jam was witnessed in several areas and shops in the bypass area were forcibly closed by policemen.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2015

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