KARACHI, Oct 19: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim on Tuesday directed the DCO and other officials to provide essential facilities in the new residential schemes launched by the city district government Karachi.

He issued these directives during a visit to the new Malir Housing Project and Taisar Town scheme.

Dr Arbab advized the residents of nearby villages to get their lands included in the said residential schemes so that they could also benefit from the civic facilities to be provided to those living in such residential societies.

"And If they cannot not do so, they should sell their land to get their replacement as it would increase the value of their property," he said.

He also directed the officials to start new residential schemes as per rules and regulations followed in developed countries where special emphasis is laid on construction of green-belts, provision of facilities and smooth traffic flow.

Project director of the Malir Development Project Manzoor Soomro informed the chief minister that the project has two schemes in which development work has started.

The new Malir City Scheme comprises 3,150 acres and 23,000 plots have been allotted in this scheme.

He said after the abolition of MDA and LDA, this scheme was being run by the City District Government Karachi and basic facilities, including water, gas, electricity, roads, park, school, mosque, college, markets and other facilities have been provided.

In Taisar Town, encouraging response has been received from the people and more than 32,000 allottees have deposited the money, he added.

Advisor to chief minister on Local government Waseem Akhtar, additional chief secretary on local government Mohammad Saleem Khan, DCO Mir Hussein Ali and other officials accompanied the chief minister.

MEETINGS: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim spent a busy day on Tuesday and met various personalities including Dr Irfan Gul Magsi, MPA, Mir Abdi Hussain Jatoi, MPA, Sardar Saleem Jan Mazari, MNA, Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh and Mir Mahboob Ali Bijarani.-PPI/APP