Inquiry ordered into breach of small dams
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Thursday said an inquiry would be conducted to fix responsibility for the destruction of small dams in recent rains and those found responsible for faulty construction would be punished.
He added the government was constantly monitoring the rain situation in the province and was ready to deal with any emergency.
He shared that government had provided 5,000 tents to the flood victims.
He was addressing a press conference along with provincial ministers at the CM Secretariat.
“The government is aware of the damages and would compensate the affected people,” Bizenjo told reporters.
He said heavy rainfall has played havoc in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.
The provincial government has ordered the departments concerned to submit a comprehensive report about the damages in the torrential rains in the province.
“We are committed to rehabilitating the displaced people,” Bizenjo said.
He informed the media-persons that so far the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has provided only 300 tents.
He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a telephonic conversation has assured the acting NDMA chief will be sent to Balochistan to review the situation in the aftermath of heavy rainfall.
“Our priority is to reach out to the needy and deserving people,” the CM said.
He said flash floods after heavy rainfall severely damaged the agriculture sector of Balochistan.
“Our priority is to support and improve the agriculture sector”, he said.
When asked about the martyrdom of military lieutenant colonel Laeeq Baig Mirza, he said the perpetrators of the attack would be brought to justice.
“This was a cowardly act and an uninformed officer was abducted and martyred,” Bizenjo said.
He said if someone wanted rights the Balochistan Assembly is the best forum to press for the demands.
“We can debate issues within the assembly not through the barrel of a gun,” he said.
The CM said that the government provided relief goods and support irrespective of political affiliation.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the provincial government have announced Rs1 million each for those who lost their lives in the calamity.
He said the government has also announced compensation for those who sustained injuries. “The family of the victims would get Rs2 million compensation package,” he observed.
He said flash floods damaged small and delay check dams in the province too.
“An inquiry would be conducted regarding the breaching of dams in Balochistan and responsibility would be fixed,” he added.
He said directives were issued to the departments concerned to conduct an inquiry about the construction of dams.
Chief Minister Inspection Team have been entrusted the task to conduct inquiries.
He however said that the government has decided to take action against elements involved in encroachments in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2022.