KARACHI, May 27: A high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of City Nazim Naimatullah Khan on Wednesday reviewed safety arrangements in the wake of possible rains and floods in Karachi during the coming monsoon season.

Speaking at the meeting, the nazim recalled the heavy rainfall last year, which, he said, had badly affected civic life and business activities, besides claiming several lives.

He said heavy rains and floods in interior Sindh had also caused widespread damages to property and crops, stressing that this year effective measures were essential to save people from the havoc of rains and floods. It was decided that the Meteorological department would convey timely information about storms, rains and other weather conditions.

The meeting further decided that a 24-hour central emergency centre would be established at Civic Centre, which would work under the supervision of Col (Retd) Ehteshamuddin, emergency relief centres be set up at town levels, pits and ditches on roads filled before the monsoon sets in, open manholes be covered and snapped live electric wires be removed.

The city nazim directed that wireless communication facility be provided at the Civic Centre emergency centre. EDO Works and Services Shoaib Siddiqi informed the meeting that his department had started cleaning drains and nullahs two months ago for the smooth flow of rain water.

He added that steps were being taken for improving the sewerage and water disposal system at Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Jauhar More and other places. He said tenders had been awarded for development work at Chakora Nullah, cleaning of Niazi and Hanif Manzil nullahs in Lyari area had already started, while cantonment boards had started cleaning nullahs with the co-operation of the Defence Housing Authority.

The meeting decided that utility organisations including telephone, gas, electricity and other departments should fill-up the roads and streets etc dug up by them on priority basis, so these don't prove dangerous for people during the rains.

It was decided that in case of power suspension, generators would be used at pumping stations to ensure supply of water. The meeting was informed that during rains, water accumulated at 39 points which hampered traffic flow, and steps were being taken for improving the sewerage system at such spots.

The city nazim directed that the presence of traffic police at roundabouts and roads during rain be ensured. Various proposals were also suggested in the meeting to help out people that get stuck up in flood water in Gaddap, Bin Qasim, Keamari areas and Lyari and Malir rivers.

It was stated that in order to meet any emergency, army and navy help was also available to rescue people from drowning in flood water. -APP