Local govts will become functional soon, says DCO

Says funds for local bodies will be issued soon

DERA GHAZI KHAN: “The provincial government is taking steps to empower local governments as soon as possible. It has asked for budget estimates for offices of local government representatives so that they can be furnished and made operational,” Dera Ghazi Khan DCO Nadeemur Rehman said on Friday.

He was addressing a meeting with chairmen and vice chairman of local councils in Taunsa at the Government Boys Degree College.

“Funds for projects in your constituencies will be issued soon,” the DCO said.



He said devolution of power to local governments was held up because the matter was in court.

“The government is taking unprecedented steps in education and health sectors. It is also looking to restore peace and security in the country,” he said.

“Rs230 million will be spent on provision of basic facilities at schools in Dera Ghazi Khan,” he said.

“As many as 175 school buildings that have been declared dangerous will be demolished and built from scratch,” he said. “Rs410 million will be spent on this project.” The DCO said funds had been issued for the construction of a two-way road between Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan.

He said among other infrastructure projects, steel bridges would be constructed between Rakhi Gaj and Bota hills.

He said administrations of public schools had been asked to submit reports on teachers’ attendance and missing facilities at their campuses so that steps could be taken to address these problems.

The DCO said tribal areas made up 12 per cent of the district.

“Despite this, there has been no recruitment for law enforcement personnel in this region for over 18 years,” he said. “Police stations are also in a terrible condition.”

He said the district administration had sought permission for recruitment in the Border Military Police and Baloch Levies. He said a committee chaired by the Dera Ghazi Khan commissioner was working on this issue.

The DCO said the political agent in tribal areas had been asked to organise open kutchery so that they could address grievances of the people.

Power loadshedding and preparations for floods were also discussed in the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2016.