SUKKUR, Feb 15: Sindh Zakat and Ushr Minister Sardar Manzoor Ali Panhwar has said the centre has directed the Sindh government to prepare a feasibility report about supplying clean drinking water to Jacobabad from the Kirthar Canal.

He was talking to a delegation of residents of Jacobabad on Tuesday, who apprised him of the non-supply of drinking water to them. He said a master plan to ensure supply of drinking water and improve the drainage system was being prepared to solve the problems on permanent basis.

The minister said the government was trying to bring underdeveloped areas at par with developed ones. He said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and President Gen Pervez Musharraf had agreed to visit Jacobabad and during their visits, they would announce a special development package for the city.

Mr Panhwar said various development schemes, including provision of electricity, gas and roads, had been completed in Garhi Khairo.