KARACHI, August 1, 2024: Waqar Mehdi, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh and General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh chapter, expressed satisfaction with Karachi’s rainwater drainage, sanitation, and cleanliness efforts. He noted that the city’s condition during the recent monsoon season has significantly improved compared to previous years. However, he emphasized that all local bodies and relevant departments, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), must remain vigilant to address any unexpected situations arising from climate change.
Waqar Mehdi made these remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of District West, following the directives of the Chief Minister of Sindh. The meeting was attended by Karachi’s Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad along with MPAs, deputy commissioners, town chairmen, and other departmental officers who provided briefings on the post-rainfall situation.
In his address, Waqar Mehdi instructed all local bodies, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), and other relevant departments to cancel staff leave during the monsoon season to ensure full attendance. He stressed that staff from these departments should be present in areas prone to water accumulation during rains. He warned that negligence from any officer or staff member during the rains would not be tolerated.
He lauded the performance of KMC and local bodies during the recent rains, noting that all main roads in Karachi, including those in District West and Kemari, remain open and traffic is flowing smoothly. He mentioned that water drainage is ongoing in low-lying areas, including Mawach Goth.
Waqar Mehdi pointed out that Pakistan is facing extraordinary conditions due to climate change. He informed that, following the instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chief Minister of Sindh is personally monitoring the rainfall situation.
He directed the Deputy Commissioners of District West and Kemari to form coordination committees comprising representatives from all relevant departments to ensure efficient performance during the rains. He also instructed immediate action against those obstructing water drainage in low-lying areas.
Additionally, Waqar Mehdi urged K-Electric to take necessary measures to prevent incidents of electrocution during the rains.
Meanwhile, Waqar Mehdi, along with Deputy Mayor of Karachi Salman Abdullah, visited various areas in District West and Kemari, including Baldia Town, Mawach Goth, Old Golimar, SITE, Shershah, Gulbai, Aligarh Market, Orangi Town, Banaras, and other areas.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner of District West Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Deputy Commissioner of Kemari Junaid Iqbal, all town chairmen, municipal commissioners, assistant commissioners, and officials from relevant departments. Participants included Abid Satti, Ghulam Habib Jadoon, Jameel Zia, MPA Ali Ahmed Jan, MPA Asif Khan, Siddiq Akbar, Iftikhar Shah, Faisal Younus, and others.
