ISLAMABAD:
The city administration has not chalked out any plans to cope with the possible influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan.
Top Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration officials were clueless when asked about the preparedness and arrangements to accommodate IDPs.
“The CDA has yet to receive instructions from higher authorities regarding the possible arrival of IDPs. That’s why no preparations have been put in place so far,” said a senior CDA official.
At the same time, the official admitted they had no idea where to set up the camps if they (IDPs) arrive in the capital.
“It is not about just providing them shelter. It involves many other issues such as sanitation, health, food and security, all of which cannot be done overnight,” said the official.
“It is expected that a large number of children will be among the IDPs and there is a need to thrash out a comprehensive plans to run anti-polio drives as well,” said the official, cautioning that infectious diseases could also break out if preparations were not complete.
“We need to alert our social mobilisers and zonal supervisors so they can plan accordingly,” he said.
The official said that it was a known fact that many children from North Waziristan have not been vaccinated against polio and may bring the virus with them.
Meanwhile, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Jawad Paul said, “We have yet to receive any instruction from high ups...no plan is in place right now.” He claimed ICT officials were ready to make arrangements on a short notice.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2014.
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