MINGORA: The Water and Sanitation Services Company on Friday launched a campaign to disinfect streets in Mingora city with chlorine- water mixture and installed hand washing facilities as a preventive measure against coronavirus.

The initiative was launched by DDAC chairman Fazal Hakim Khan.

WSSC chief executive Sheed Mohammad, Swat Traders Federation president Abdur Rahim Khan, elders, lawyers, youth activists and traders were also present on the occasion.

The WSSC also established hand washing facilities in Mingora Bazaar by providing water, sanitisers and soaps at more than 200 places for the people. The places included Nishat Chowk, Haji Baba Chowk, Gulshan Chowk, Green Chowk and other points.

A water bowser provided by the WSSC washed streets with chlorine-water mixture.

“We’re taking all possible measures to prevent coronavirus. Though our government took some tough decisions, we believe that such decisions are for the best interest of the people to defeat coronavirus,” Fazal Hakim said after inaugurating a hand washing facility in Mingora.

The residents appreciated the move and.

“The spread of coronavirus in the country has caused panic, so the people want tangible preventive measures against the epidemic. The installation of water tanks for hand washing facilities in Mingora is a positive sign,” said shopper Abdul Wahab in Mingora Bazaar.

Some visitors complained about the unavailability of soaps and sanitisers on the matter and even said some tanks didn’t have water.

“Though the initiative of installing water tanks with soaps and sanitisers is welcome, the WSSC should refill tanks regularly so that the people have enough water to wash hands,” said Akbar Ali.

He urged the residents to use soaps and sanitisers properly.

“It is very sad to learn that soaps and sanitisers have been taken away by people in some areas. That shouldn’t happen as the water tanks with soaps and sanitisers are been placed for the benefit of people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Swat ordered the closure of all private clinics in district as an anti-coronavirus measure. However, the clinics were allowed to offer emergency care to patients on call.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2020