‘FBR’s revenue shortfall hampered uplift work’
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Wednesday that a shortfall in revenue collection by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over the last three years brought development endeavours in Sindh to a standstill.
Talking to the media after visiting rain-hit districts of the province, Sindh CM observed that the provincial government could not fulfill its commitments on various projects owing to FBR's poor revenue collection.
According to the CM, revenue collections by the FBR remained dismal throughout 2018 and 2019, whereas in 2020, both the national and provincial economies suffered serious damage due to Covid-19. These factors affected the completion of development works, observed the CM.
He also pledged the construction of a stormwater drain in Thatta.
"We'll arrange funds for the construction of a stormwater drain in Thatta," he vowed, adding that the construction of the drain had been included in the provincial government's development plan but it could not commence owing to limited resources.
In response to a question, the CM said rainwater had accumulated along the roads and inundated some portions in Gharo. "I have observed that culverts will need to be installed along the roads to provide a passage for the water to flow," he said, adding that work on their installation would be started soon.
To another question, the CM stated that rainwater had been disposed of from Thatta city. In some places it drained naturally, while in others suction machines had to be used, he elaborated.
"However, the solution to these issues lies in the construction of new stormwater drains," he stressed.
He was also of the view that this year rains caused less damage, in terms of human lives and public property, as compared to last year.
Visits
Earlier, the CM visited various rain-hit areas.
In Sujawal, rainwater had been drained CM's advisor, Aijaz Shah Sheerazi, briefed him about the situation in the district. The CM directed public health emergency secretary Laeeq Ahmed to bring in more suction machines from Thatta and Badin to Sujawal for the disposal of water.
In Badin, the CM visited Guni and Phuleli canals. Chief engineer Zarif Khero told the CM that the Guni canal carried water to three talukas, Matli, Golarchi and Tando Mohammad Khan, before discharging it into Nareri Lake. Guni and Phuleli canals have a design discharge of 1,500 cusec, but presently 1,800 cusec water was flowing through them, he told the CM.
The people of Badin requested the CM for the construction of a separate stormwater drain in the city. At this, the CM assured them that the government would conduct a feasibility study for the purpose.
During his visit to Tharparkar, the CM visited Diplo, where 509 mm rainfall was recorded.
Tharparkar deputy commissioner Nawaz Sohu told the CM that rainwater was being disposed of using suction machines. Meanwhile, cooked food was also being provided to affected people, he said.
In Hyderabad, the CM visited a drainage pumping station in Latifabad, where several low-lying localities were partially submerged. He also visited Qasimabad. The CM said the rainwater has been drained from several areas while the low lying areas will also be cleared soon.
The CM complained that the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) did not live up to its promise. He recalled that during a meeting earlier this month the HESCO had assured that 23 out of 26 pumping stations of the Water and Sanitation Agency would be provided uninterrupted electricity.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 27th, 2020.