Potable water supply in Karachi sole responsibility of local govt, says Kamal

KARACHI: Former Mayor-Karachi and Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) chairman Mustafa Kamal on Thursday said that the provision of potable water and proper sanitation system in the metropolis were sole responsibilities of the local bodies rather than the provincial government.

Speaking to press after Supreme Court proceedings in a case pertaining to safe environment, Kamal deplored delay in completion of the development projects in the city.

“Karachi has been facing 600 million gallons of water shortfall. There is an urgency to build a water trunk line [main supply channel],” he underlined.

Expressing concerns on prevailing issues in the city, the former mayor said the estimated completion time frame of K-IV Water Project’s phase one was six months but the project was still underway after two years of time period.

“According to my best knowledge, there is no possibility of the project’s timely completion for next two years,” he said, adding, the water shortfall to the city will remain continued during this time span.

He said the authorities have still to complete S-III project, Karachi Sewage Treatment Plan, which began in his tenure. They extended the project but could not complete it as it was a project worth Rs9 billion initially increased by Rs33 billion after an extension, Kamal added.

SC proceedings for safe environment

Earlier today, the Supreme Court Karachi Registry summoned Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and former city mayor Mustafa Kamal to file their respective replies in a case pertaining to provision of clean drinking water and safe environment.

Advocate Shahab Usto had moved the court against the failure of the provincial government to provide potable water, better sanitation and environment to citizens.

At the last hearing, the CJP has summoned the chief minister to appear before the court to explain the steps his government has taken in this regard.

CJP Nisar clarified that there would be no compromise on air and water pollution issue as this was a matter of the lives of people.