KARACHI, Sept 24: Following a storm forecast by the Met office, the managing director of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Brig Iftikhar Ahmed, has directed the KWSB operational staff to remain alert round-the-clock.

Presiding over an urgent meeting Saturday evening at his office, he also directed to take emergency steps to cope with the expected storm and rains in the coastal belt especially in Bin Qasim, Keamari, Clifton, Landhi and Korangi areas.

DMD planning Shahid Saleem, all chief and superintending engineers, senior officers, and other concerned were present.

The KWSB chief declared all the zonal and town offices of the board as emergency centres to be opened 24 hours a day adding that all the canals from Kinjhar to Gharo would be looked after round-the-clock.

He further directed all the electrical and mechanical engineers to get pumps and machines ready. “With the fall of first drop of rain, the consumer service centre will start working,” Brig Ahmed said. He also directed the senior administrative officer to provide staff to take immediate actions on people's complaints and to prepare an effective plan and keep the machinery in working condition. “Teams should be formed to handle any situation,” he said.

The KWSB chief also directed all the superintending engineers to remain in contact with the respective town nazims and take them in confidence before taking necessary actions.—PPI