DERA GHAZI KHAN: The district coordination officer (DCO) has taken notice of slow pace of work on management of hill torrents as the flood season is around the corner.

Work on seven development schemes of the irrigation department is going on at a slow pace in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur with funds worth Rs8 billion.

The project is aimed at managing the violent hill torrents, including Wadoor, Soori Lound, Mithawan, Kaha and Chhachhar. The slow pace of work on the project has triggered fears that the torrents might play havoc with the people and crops once again.

DCO Nadeemur Rehman visited the irrigation department to review seven ongoing development schemes on Saturday. He was briefed by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Azeem Baloch on the work on hill torrents.

During the briefing, Mr Baloch claimed that the disperse structure had been accomplished with Rs960 million only on Wadoor hill torrent.

Meanwhile, the DCO, during a surprise visit to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Taunsa Sharif, also took notice of dysfunctional air conditioners and poor sanitation conditions.

Despite the expenditure of Rs20 million on the upgrade of the hospital and establishment of trauma centre, the general condition of the health facility could not improve.

Mr Rehman, during his visit, found many of the rooms locked, air conditioners in the wards dysfunctional and sanitation conditions poor.

He directed Assistant Commissioner Ghafar Qaisrani to ensure proper functioning of the hospital and its trauma centre. He asked Medical Superintendent Dr Sher Mohammad to keep the health facility clean and air-conditioned. He also issued directions for beefing up security.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2016