Monsoon ahead: drain clearance ordered

Commissioner directs DCs to ensure coordination among civic agencies

KARACHI:

Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi on Friday directed all civic agencies to expedite the cleaning of storm-water drains and complete monsoon preparedness ahead of the expected rains.

Chairing a meeting at his office to review arrangements for the monsoon season, the commissioner said the cleaning of storm-water drains must be completed before the onset of rains. He instructed deputy commissioners to monitor the ongoing desilting work, inspect sites and help remove any obstacles delaying its completion.

Officials reviewed the availability of dewatering pumps, machinery and manpower for rainwater drainage. The municipal commissioner and town municipal administrations briefed the meeting on the progress of drain cleaning and informed participants that all relevant agencies had been alerted and contingency plans had been finalised.

The KMC informed the meeting that desilting work on its 45 major storm-water drains had begun in June. It was decided that the KMC would complete work on all 45 major drains, while town municipal administrations would expedite the cleaning of around 550 smaller drains on a priority basis.

The meeting also decided that deputy commissioners would work closely with the KMC, town municipal administrations and the Solid Waste Management Board to address complaints about garbage being dumped into storm-water drains and ensure prompt remedial measures.

To facilitate public complaints and prevent electrocution incidents during the monsoon, K-Electric will coordinate with the city administration. A dedicated K-Electric help desk will be established at the Karachi Commissioner's Control Room under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner (Headquarters) Iqra Jannat.

The meeting further decided that the PDMA, KMC, town municipal administrations and cantonment boards would jointly implement a comprehensive plan to prevent rainwater accumulation in low-lying areas, underpasses and streets. Special arrangements will be made to deploy dewatering pumps, machinery and staff on roads that have experienced persistent waterlogging in previous years.

Deputy commissioners were also directed to hold meetings with town municipal administrations in their respective districts to review drainage arrangements, monitor the progress of drain cleaning and help resolve issues hindering monsoon preparedness.