HYDERABAD, July 18: The government will make efforts to resolve the problems of growers and ensure equitable water supply to tail-end users.

This was said by the Sindh minister for irrigation, power, communication and works, Syed Ejaz Ali Shah Sherazi, while speaking at public gatherings in Tando Mohammad Khan and Shaikh Bhirkiok here the other day. The Sindh minister for local government, Arbab Ghulam Raheem, was also present on the occasion.

Mr Sherazi warned the officials of the irrigation department that strict action would taken against those who were found involved in corruption and tampering with watercourses.

Responding to public complaints regarding water theft with the connivance of the irrigation officials, the minister for irrigation suspended two employees, sub-engineer Zulfiqar Ali Shaikh and Nawaz Ali.

He said a package had been announced by the federal government to desilt existing canals of the province and improve the irrigation system.

On the demand of public, the minister ordered the superintending engineer, Rohri, Mohammad Nawaz Memon, to stop the rotation programme of Khachar Shakh of Soomar-ki distributary. He assured that the law and order situation would be improved and the problem of water shortage and electricity would be resolved. He said development work would be geared up and jobs would be provided to local people.

Mr Sherazi said that previously, the federal government had released Rs2 billion for desilting and to improve irrigation canals but due to some reasons the amount had not been fully utilized, adding that the remaining amount would be efficiently utilized.

Mr Sherazi and Mr Raheem said under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf, political and economic stability would be restored in the country and the poverty alleviation programme would yield positive results.

They said the local government system could only succeed with the participation of the masses.

Mr Raheem said Nazims should provide relief and justice to the masses at their doorstep.

He said action would be taken under the Local Government Ordinance against those Nazims who were found involved in misappropriation of funds.

CALAMITY-HIT AREAS: The Sindh government, through a notification issued here on Wednesday, declared Dharki taluka of Ghotki district, Bhiria taluka of Naushahro Feroze district, and Shahdadpur taluka of Sanghar district calamity-affected areas due to the shortage of irrigation water.