Industrial areas: SAI for early execution of CETP, water supply projects

KARACHI: Riaz Uddin, the president of SITE Association of Industry (SAI) and Chief Coordinator Saleem Parekh have condemned repeated postponement of the third meeting of the project steering committee of the Combined Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) in industrial zones and 65MGD water supply. The said meeting was postponed for the fifth time on November 21, 2022.

“The importance of both the projects cannot be ignored. The CETP is not only critical for export-compliance but also for environment friendliness. Similarly, the water supply is the lifeline of the water starved industries in Karachi,” Riaz said.

Saleem Parekh, Chief Coordinator SITE Association stated that the project steering committee has been formed by the Sindh government to review progress of Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan (S-III), establishment of CETP in industrial zones and 65-MGD additional water supply projects. The land for the CETP is already available and work can be started immediately however the same is being delayed by Sindh government indefinitely.

The SAI has already written a letter to the chairman of Planning & Development Board stating that “the projects to be finalised in this meeting for eventual implementation are of supreme importance for the entire city of Karachi.

However, it has now been three years since the holding of the last (2nd) meeting on 8th October 2019. Such callous and non-serious attitude showed a lack of willingness on the part of the Planning department to work for the betterment of the city.”

“Due to the inordinate delay, the project cost is increasing every year, ultimately putting extra financial burden on the government kitty,” Riaz said.

SITE leaders have urged the chief minister Sindh to take immediate notice of the matter and order early execution of both the projects which are critical for exports and also for the lifeline of industry in general.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022