KARACHI, Aug 8: The city government has decided to close down five hydrants functioning in residential areas. The decision appeared to be in line with an assurance held out by city government officials at a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Local Government here on Friday.

City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, who had joined the meeting late, had held a discussion with the committee members in his office after the meeting and told its Chairman Maulana Hamidul Haq Haqqani that in the first phase, the hydrants at Sakhi Hassan and Gulshan-i-Iqbal would be moved to some other place in September.

Mr Khan maintained that the CDGK was making all possible efforts to resolve civic problems being faced by the citizens of the metropolis. In this regard, he said, 20 new roads had been built and modern construction standards maintained. Mentioning other development work, he said priority was being accorded to the early completion of flyovers.

He pointed out that the city government alone could not launch and complete the mega projects with its limited resources. As such, he added, the city government was striving to involve foreign investors.

The city nazim told the committee that road network, water and sewerage system in industrial areas, including those of Landhi, Korangi and F B Area, would be improved.

He said plans were afoot to establish a water treatment plant for industries. He sought the committee's assistance and support for the devolution of kutchi abadis, as well as other remaining departments, in the CDGK as provided in the Sindh Local Government Ordinance.

He suggested that appointment of teaching staff and land control officers also be brought under the purview of city district governments. Naimatullah Khan further informed the committee that model parks were being built in all 18 towns of Karachi whereas 10 new colleges were planned to be established. - APP