‘KMC clears 80pc of storm water drain choking points’

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) claims to have cleared almost 80 per cent of the 169 choking points of different storm water drains across the city.

“Pumps have been installed at Sharea Faisal. Drainage machinery has been handed over to technical officers. Action will be taken against those obstructing manholes or drains in the city. It is a criminal act,” said KMC Administrator Laeeq Ahmed on Tuesday.

He was briefing media representatives at the Rosy Warden Headquarters about the existing dewatering pumps, machinery and vehicle arrangements. He also visited various parts of the city.

Senior Director Coordination Khalid Khan, Director General Works Shabih Ul Hasnain Zaidi, Senior Director Municipal Services SM Taha, Director Noman Arshad, Chief Engineer Electrical Abbas Shah, Director City Wardens Raja Rustam and other officers were also present on the occasion.

Administrator Ahmed said that all the preparations for the rains have been completed, and hopefully, the drains will not overflow this year. He said the KMC has four-, six- and eight-inch pipes for draining water, for which staff has also been deployed. The machinery will be delivered to the relevant place, he added.

“It should reach the people that the KMC will work to the best of its ability, and there is excellent coordination between all the agencies. City wardens will be on roads during the rains and guide citizens along with the traffic police. There is cooperation and collaboration among all civic bodies.”

He requested the media representatives to inform them wherever any problem arises so that immediate solution can be taken. He said the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board will play a pivotal role in disposing of waste during the Eidul Azha festival.

Ahmed said staff with two dewatering pumps will constantly be deployed at 11 underpasses, adding that four underpasses have recently been handed over to the KMC, including the KPT, Shaun Circle and Mehran underpasses.

“This is the first time that such a large number of contingency plans have been drawn up and implemented in such a coordinated manner throughout the city. A system has also been set up to monitor the attendance of officials and employees.”

He said the staff will be on alert to reach in time where dewatering pumps are needed, and urban rescue teams have been assigned to carry out their duties. Building collapses, traffic control and other issues are also being monitored, he added.

After the press briefing, the administrator visited Hassan Square, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, KDA Chowrangi, Hyderi and other areas to inspect the rainwater drainage situation. Deputy Commissioner Central Muhammad Bakhsh Dharejo, Zaidi, Khan, Taha, Director Protocol Abdul Rahim Qadwai and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.