'Declare Hyderabad calamity hit'

MQM-P blames PPP-led provincial, local govt for urban flooding

HYDERABAD:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has demanded calamity hit status for Hyderabad, holding the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh government and local authorities responsible for the city's inundation in rainwater. At a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club on Saturday, MPA Sabir Hussain Qaimkhani and other MQM-P representatives criticised the concerned government departments for their lack of preparation to deal with heavy rainfall.

Qaimkhani stated that they had repeatedly pointed out problems in the drainage network and the need to remove sludge to clear the drains. However, he claimed that the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC), Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Board Corporation (HWSBC), and the district administration failed to take action. "Only paperwork was done by holding meetings before the recent spell to show that the government officials and staff were prepared," he contended.

Qaimkhani highlighted that roads and streets in several localities remain partially submerged, and water supply shortages are also being reported from affected areas. He also blamed the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) for coinciding power outages with the rain, leaving some areas without electricity due to transmission system faults.

Criticising former MPA Abdul Jabbar Khan, Qaimkhani said a non-elected person was appointed as the focal person for the rain situation. "The people can't even walk on the road outside the residence of that focal person because it's underwater." He pointed out that many localities, particularly in Latifabad, remain inundated despite the rain stopping on August 30.

"If the Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro and the focal person were sincere with the city, they would have held meetings with Hyderabad's elected representatives to develop a mutually prepared strategy with a central command and control," Qaimkhani said. MQM-P demanded compensation for all residential units, shops, and businesses affected by the government's poor performance. MPA Nasir Hussain Qureshi elected from a constituency in City taluka, said several commercial areas were under rainwater even on Thursday.