KARACHI, Nov 3: The works and services department of the city government has started cleaning of main drains and the drive would continue till the cleaning of all drains.

According to city government officials, attention would be paid to the spots which were blocking the flow of sewerage.

The department has hired all necessary machinery, including excavators, dumpers, trucks, loaders and garbage vans, for the purpose.

In the first phase of the drive, cleaning of drains in Manzoor Colony and Picture House was undertaken on October 30.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Local Government Waseem Akhtar has said that the provincial government is making all out efforts to ensure provision of due facilities to people with top priority being improvement in health and sanitation facilities.

He stated this during his visit to Saddar Town to monitor the ongoing sanitation drive launched on the directive of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad.

Mr Akhtar paid a detailed visit to Burnes Road, Shahrah-i-Liaquat, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Clifton Bridge, Khayaban-i-Iqbal, Frere hall, Bath Island, Boat Basin, Khayaban-i-Saadi, Jehangir Kothari Parade, Cantonment Station and other localities.

He directed TMO Raza Abbas that construction of Frere drain be completed within a month and immediate measures be taken for the cleaning of Urdu Bazaar drain.

He impressed upon the relevant officials that owners of shops and hotels be made to ensure that the garbage produced by them was disposed of at the places specified for the purpose in order to maintain cleanliness and hygienic conditions. Legal action be taken against the defiant ones, he added.

Nazim of Saddar Town Farooq Fariya briefed the adviser on the removal of encroachments around the Cantonment Station and in other localities, as well as the action taken against illegal bus termini.

Mr Akhtar expressed full satisfaction over the performance of the town administration.

The nazim told him that the development works in UCs were being carried out with the town's own resources.-APP