PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) has approved free water tanker service in the two sealed subsectors of Sector I-10.
Both areas are in a state of curfew-like lockdown since Thursday to stem the spread of coronavirus. Meanwhile, the district administration has hinted at extending lockdown in two neighbourhoods of Sector G-9.
With vast population under lockdown, provision of water supply was becoming a serious issue during hot days with mercury almost touching 39 degrees centigrade.
Under this situation, IMC Deputy Mayor Zeeshan Naqvi has formally approved free water tanker service for residents of subsectors I-10/1 and I-10/2 to end water scarcity faced by the confined people.
The official said that the free service would continue in both the areas until the smart lockdown was lifted.
Further, on directions of the deputy mayor, the telephone water complaint system, which was out of order, was immediately fixed.
Naqvi added that the corporation was standing with the people during this hard time. The government has made a big cut in our resources, he complained and added, “Despite that, the IMC was working to improve water supply and cleanliness system in the federal capital territory”.
Naqvi additionally assured the people that IMC would fulfill all promises it made with them.
He also hinted at launching action against the corporation’s officials committing dereliction in their duties soon.
Naqvi said that the doors of his house were always open for the people.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that lockdown in sectors G-9/1 and G-9/2 was likely to be extended for three more days. He said that a final decision regarding opening of the two subsectors of G-9 and the main markets of the area would be taken on Tuesday.
Subsequently, the district administration continued taking all necessary measures to ensure success of lockdown in four sub-sectors of federal capital to protect citizens from carrying coronavirus in prevailing high-risk situation in these areas. As the novel coronaviurs (Covid-19) death toll in the city reached 90, the health authorities decided to seal four sub-sectors of federal capital to contain the spread amongst the citizens in specified areas.
According to official data 441 persons were tested positive with Covid-19 in Sector I-8, and 427 in the Sector I-10.
Earlier, Sector G-9 was sealed after 430 cases were confirmed with the Covid-19 and the administration decided to lockdown two sub-sectors there as well. DC Shafqaat had stated that the decision was taken in response to the District Health Office's recommendation to seal G-9/2 and G-9/3 along with the sector's main market, commonly known as Karachi Company.
Earlier, residents of all sub-sectors were given enough time to make the necessary arrangements and obtain essential items, while the administration also made arrangements during this lockdown period.
The DC had said that people would not be allowed to go out of their homes during the lockdown except to buy essentials, however medical stores and food outlets in the area would stay open during the lockdown.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2020.
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