Over 6,000 tonnes of garbage removed from nullahs in Karachi: NDMA

KWSB enforces rain emergency in city ahead of predicted downpours

ISLAMABAD:

Over 6,000 tonnes of garbage have been removed from different nullahs in Karachi as the de-silting operation continued in the metropolis, said a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) spokesman on Wednesday.

According to the spokesperson, the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) had cleared 25 choked points of three major nullahs, out of a total of 40 such points affecting the smooth flow of rainwater. "The FWO has so far cleared up to 40 per cent of the troubled spots of Gujjar nullah, 45 per cent of Korangi nullah and 51 per cent of blocked spots of Mowach Goth nullah," he added.

Of the 552 large and small stormwater drains in Karachi - including 38 major nullahs - cleaning efforts have already been started in 22 of them on an emergency basis.

The authorities were utilising 24 excavators, two loaders, 90 dumpers and 224 labourers in the cleanliness operation, apprised the spokesperson, adding that on Monday alone, the FWO had lifted 4,364 tonnes of garbage from nullahs in the city.

Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan had asked the Pakistan Army and NDMA to help in cleaning up the economic hub of the country as the ongoing monsoon spell turned many roads into rivers of filthy rainwater and left houses and shops flooded.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, NDMA chairperson Lt-Gen Muhammad Afzal said a two-pronged strategy had been devised in collaboration with stakeholders to avoid flash flood losses in Karachi permanently.

"We should give relief to people with joint, collaborative efforts. Flash flood losses will remain in check during August and September rains. Afterwards, a permanent solution will be in place for getting rid of flash floods," he stated, adding that encroachments abounded around most of Karachi's nullahs, reducing their width drastically.

Rain emergency

Meanwhile, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) enforced a rain emergency ahead of predicted rainfall in the city from Thursday (today).

On the directives of Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, KWSB managing director Khalid Mehmood Shaikh also directed relevant officials to keep all required machinery ready for any emergency and cancelled the leaves of department staff.

According to a KWSB notification, Shaikh directed water, sewerage, bulk, electrical and mechanical chief engineers to make all necessary arrangements for the expected downpour beforehand. He also ordered increased working hours of the central and district rain emergency centres, and the completion of cleaning of all manholes, lines and sewers in the city.

He further instructed officials to ensure the availability of generators and fuel at all pumping stations.

Meanwhile, the notification added that officials had been directed to ensure the monitoring and safety of all bulk water supplying lines, filter plants, pumping stations, water reservoirs, sewage lines, treatment plants, and other installations during the monsoon rain.

Additionally, they were told to send necessary machinery, especially suction pumps, to low-lying areas in the metropolis before the downpours began.

Shaikh ordered the sewerage chief engineer to ensure rain emergency arrangements and sought a report from him immediately.

*With additional information from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2020.