Chief Secretary Sindh Orders Survey of All RO Plants in Thar, Directs Acceleration of Sweet Water Project
Independent report
KARACHI, November 11: Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has directed the relevant departments to conduct a comprehensive survey of all reverse osmosis (RO) plants in Tharparkar to assess their condition, identify rehabilitation requirements and improve the supply of safe drinking water.
Chairing a meeting on drinking water supply in Tharparkar, the chief secretary directed officials to document the water production capacity of each plant and the number of people benefiting from it. He also called for a sustainable operational plan to ensure the long-term functioning of the facilities.
He said a proposal would be submitted to the Sindh government for handing over the management of RO plants to reputable and experienced non-governmental organisations committed to public service.
The chief secretary also directed the authorities to expedite the Umerkot-Ketari water supply scheme and ensure the early completion of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Sweet Water Project for Thar.
He said providing a reliable supply of safe drinking water to the people of Tharparkar was among the provincial government’s priorities. He directed the Public Health Engineering Department to improve the management and maintenance of water supply and drainage schemes.
The departments concerned were also instructed to strengthen coordination to ensure the timely completion of water projects and improve the performance of RO plants. Lawmakers from Tharparkar presented proposals for improving drinking water supply and the functioning of the plants.
Sindh Adviser on Environment Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, MPA Muhammad Qasim Soomro, Mithi Municipal Committee Chairman Manoj Kumar Malani and other officials attended the meeting. MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani participated through a video link.
The Chief Minister’s Special Assistant on Public Health Engineering, Muhammad Saleem Baloch, Chairman of the Planning and Development Board and secretaries of the relevant departments were also present.
