KARACHI, July 12: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Tuesday stressed the need for early establishment of two new vegetable markets at National and RCD highways besides the one at Superhighway. He also issued directives for carrying out work on provision of housing facilities in Gulzar-i-Hijri Scheme-33, Taisar Town and other housing schemes on emergency basis.

He was presiding over a meeting in which prices of consumer items, rights of consumers and progress made on low-cost housing schemes was reviewed.

Besides Advisor Local Government, Waseem Akhtar, the concerned officials of the provincial and city governments apprised the governor about the pace of various projects.

The meeting was informed that work has been started after identification of sites for a sabzimandi near Ghakkar Phatak on National Highway and near RCD Highway.

The governor issued directive for a comprehensive master plan and seeking cooperation of private sector in this respect.

He expressed the hope that setting up of two new Sabzi Mandis in two different directions will break the mafia cartel involved in the manipulation of prices and help provide facilities to growers and consumers and also reduce pressure on traffic on one side.

Reviewing the low-cost housing schemes, the governor directed the concerned authorities to ensure start of work compulsorily in Taisar Town by the end of this month.

He directed the Board of Revenue and officials of provincial and city governments to start work without indulging in paper and office complexities. He made it clear that government wants to complete the task of providing housing facilities to shelterless people on priority basis.

He said that General Pervez Musharraf has given special instructions in this regard and has desired the establishment of low cost housing schemes in every district.

The governor stressed on synchronizing the Taisar Town and Scheme-33 housing schemes with the proposed new towns near Northern bypass.

He said speedy progress should be made in respect of outer development works in Scheme-33, elimination of encroachments and water and electricity projects.

Briefing about the progress achieved, DCO Fazlur Rehman informed that rehabilitation of Scheme-33 could become possible due to the personal efforts and interest of the governor.

The governor directed that anti-encroachment drive should continue without yielding to any pressure or discrimination.

He said once the land is free from encroachments, the same be handed to concerned cooperative housing society and departments.—APP