KARACHI: Mayor Wasim Akhtar directed his subordinates to expedite a fumigation campaign, especially around the food streets of Burnes Road, Boat Basin, Sindhi Muslim Housing Society, Muhammad Ali Housing Society, Hussainabad and Merewether Tower.

He passed these orders while reviewing a fumigation drive thorough water tankers in district Central.

The mayor said that the places where food items were sold should be given priority in fumigation.

Chairman of district Central Rehan Hashmi, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Syed Saifur Rehman and other officials were also present.

He said cleanliness and fumigation were essential to provide a healthy environment to the citizens, adding that the current fumigation campaign would continue while another drive would be launched in other areas.

Mr Akhtar directed the officials that fumigation be done across district Central and manual system be adopted for spray in narrow streets.

He also asked the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board to cooperate with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and district municipal corporations and provide water through hydrants for fumigation.

Asking the people to remain indoors, the mayor said that it was the only way we could halt the spread of the novel coronavirus. “We have a model of China that controlled the virus through strict measures,” he said.

The mayor said that things were in control in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, as the citizens were cooperating with the authorities, adding that normality would be restored soon if the people continue their support to the government.

“We are well aware of the people’s miseries due to the lockdown, but this difficult time would surely be followed by ease in life. The spread of the novel coronavirus has been stopped considerably owing to the lockdown,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2020