Assembly backs LGs, water reforms

Balochistan MPAs seek stronger LGs and action on Pishin's water crisis

QUETTA:

The Balochistan Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted two resolutions seeking to strengthen local government institutions through enhanced financial and administrative powers and training programmes for elected representatives, and to address the worsening water crisis in Pishin district through the construction of new dams and small water reservoirs and the urgent rehabilitation of existing facilities.

A resolution seeking the construction and rehabilitation of the 80-kilometre Dali-Mashkel and 40-kilometre Dali-Besima roads was deferred in the absence of its mover.

The assembly session, chaired by Speaker Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, commenced 25 minutes behind schedule.

Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Hidayatur Rehman Baloch moved the resolution on local governments, stressing that a strong, empowered and financially and administratively autonomous local government system was essential for strengthening democracy, transferring powers to the grassroots level and ensuring balanced and sustainable development.

He said local bodies served as the primary link between the public and the government, identifying community needs and providing essential services at people's doorsteps.

The resolution called on the provincial government to ensure adequate financial resources, administrative powers and staffing for local government institutions. It also sought timely and equitable distribution of funds, regular provision of water supply, sanitation, drainage, road maintenance, streetlights and public health services, timely local government elections, and protection of the constitutional and legal powers of elected representatives.

It further recommended special training and capacity-building programmes to enable local representatives to resolve public problems effectively and ensure greater public participation in development projects. The house approved the resolution unanimously.