KARACHI, Oct 27: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad on Thursday ordered the transfer of the Civil Defence Department to the local governments in the province, forthwith. Chairing a high-level meeting here at the Governor’s House, Dr Ibad instructed the local governments to establish the civil defence departments in an effective manner.

Senior Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, Planning and Development Minister Syed Shoaib Bukhari, Health Minister Shabbir Qaimkhani, Advisers Wasim Akhtar and M.A. Jalil, Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Principal Secretary to governor Salim Khan and secretaries of the concerned departments attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the transfer of powers to the local governments under the devolution programme of various departments. Secretary Ishaq Lashari and Special Secretary Ghulam Arif apprised the meeting about the devolution process in the province.

In this connection, the governor ordered an immediate completion of the process of amendments in the laws, formulation of rules and regulations and strengthening of capacity building in the local governments.

Dr Ibad stressed the need for an effective implementation of the respective laws and regulations to strengthen the local body system and benefit people at the grass-roots level.

He directed that the implementation of the Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO) be ensured with letter and spirit and all other laws be made conformed with it.

The governor asked the chief secretary to give the process of the transfer of power to the grass-roots level, a final shape by holding meetings with departments separately every week.

He instructed all the departments concerned to carry out necessary amendments in laws and extend their all-out support to the local governments in this regard.

Dr Ibad emphasised the need for constituting district cadre and devising a system for service rules and job security for the local government employees.

The meeting also discussed matters pertaining to the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB). It decided in principle to make these departments effective under the city government and to make their laws in conformity to the laws of the local government.

Dr Ibad stressed the need for organizing and making the environment department effective the local governments. He also directed that necessary arrangements be made to cater residential needs of homeless people.

Meanwhile, the governor expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the demise of famous folk singer Zarina Baloch.

In his condolence message, Dr Ibad paid tribute to Zarina Baloch’s services, which she rendered in the field of art and music.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.—PPI