By Ishaque Hashmi
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani addressed concerns regarding the monsoon rains and recent political statements during a press conference at the Sindh Assembly. Ghani assured that the Sindh government and local authorities are managing the situation effectively despite ongoing rainfall and highlighted ongoing efforts to address water drainage issues.
During the press conference, Ghani expressed skepticism about the Punjab government’s decision to allocate 45 billion rupees for relief over two months, labeling it a political stunt rather than a long-term solution. He emphasized the need for permanent measures to address the challenges posed by the monsoon rains and criticized past judicial decisions that he deemed unconstitutional, calling for accountability for dishonest judges.
Ghani provided an update on the current situation, noting that rain has affected District Dadu, where a breach in the Dadu Canal is being repaired. He highlighted the heavy rainfall experienced in Sukkur, totaling between 281 to 292 mm, and described the ongoing efforts to drain water from affected areas, including Sukkur, New Sukkur City, Saleh Pat, and Pano Akil.
He criticized political opponents for making impractical demands regarding water clearance during ongoing rains and assured that local government officials and employees are actively working to resolve the issues. Ghani mentioned that the Sindh government has implemented systems at the taluka level to manage rainfall, though he acknowledged that these systems are not modern.
In response to questions about the Chief Minister and potential ministerial changes, Ghani reaffirmed that any reshuffles would be at the discretion of the Chief Minister and party leadership, dismissing rumors of imminent changes as unfounded. He also discussed efforts to provide housing for flood-affected individuals, with 150,000 houses under construction designed to withstand adverse weather conditions.
Addressing the issue of accountability, Ghani stressed that no institution should be above scrutiny and that past judicial misconduct should be addressed. He assured that action would be taken against contractors responsible for damaged roads and reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to addressing issues such as the hydrant problem in Chakra Goth, Korangi. Overall, Ghani’s statements underscore the Sindh government’s focus on managing the immediate impacts of the monsoon while calling for more sustainable and effective solutions to the region’s long-standing challenges.
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