KARACHI, June 4: The Karachi Building Control Authority will devolve upon Town level, while a special cell will function in the City Government for the regularization of formerly illegally- constructed buildings.

This was decided in a meeting of the Sindh Cabinet held at the New Sindh Secretariat on Tuesday and presided at by the Sindh Governor, Mohammedmian Soomro.

The governor also said that severe action must be taken against builders flouting the laws, before any complaints reach him or appear in the print media.

He made it clear that any inordinate delay in such matters reflects the inefficiency, slackness or connivance of the government functionaries and a strict notice of the same will be taken.

He also said that if problems get access to higher levels and are not solved at the concerned level, it would be construed as inefficiency of the staff and have an adverse effect on their promotions and postings.

Moreover, the Sindh Governor issued directives for completing the restructuring of provincial departments and the process of transfer of powers to the grassroots level under the devolution plan by June 30.

The Cabinet discussed the role of the provincial department of housing and town planning under the devolution plan, and decided its complete devolution by the specified date.

It was decided to devolve the Karachi Building Control Authority upon Town level, while a special cell will function in the City Government for the regularization of formerly illegally- constructed buildings.

It was made clear in the meeting that the District Nazim has the authority to approve projects up to Rs1 million only, while approval of contract above Rs1 million will be the authority of the Council.

In this regard, need was stressed for a functional role by the councillors.

The Cabinet also decided the devolution of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board up to the District and Town level.

The Nazims of Hyderabad, Dadu, Sukkur, Badin, Ghotki and Mirpurkhas were specially invited to the meeting. In their presence, the projects of Reni and Sehwan canals were discussed.

The Nazims of Hyderabad and Dadu stressed on the release of fresh water from the barrage to supplement flow beyond the Kotri Barrage.

The governor issued immediate instructions in this regard and decisions were taken for the release of water to benefit the population of Hyderabad, Kotri and the adjoining areas.

The provincial secretary for works and communication, Hifzur Rehman, briefed the Cabinet about the increased number of seats for the Sindh Assembly.

In the meeting, the law and order situation also came under consideration. IG Police, Syed Kamal Shah, and Home Secretary, Mukhtar Ahmed, briefed the Cabinet.

The governor stressed the need for action against elements involved in heinous crimes and said that the process should be accelerated.—APP