Bilawal reviews Sukkur projects, civic services

SUKKUR: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held an important meeting in Karachi with Sukkur Mayor and Sindh government spokesperson Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, who briefed him on ongoing and proposed development projects in the city.

The briefing covered measures to improve civic and municipal services, digitalize municipal operations and establish a modern local government system in Sukkur.

Arsalan Shaikh said the process was underway to gradually transform the Sukkur Municipal Corporation into a paperless municipal body.

He said a plan had also been formulated to provide clean drinking water to more than 650,000 citizens, while the clean water project was awaiting approval from the PPP Policy Board.

The mayor said more than 50 percent of wastewater in Sukkur was currently being treated before being discharged into the Indus River, with a target set to achieve 100 percent wastewater treatment.

Measures were also underway to protect the Indus River’s blind dolphins and freshwater turtles, he added.

Arsalan Shaikh said Sukkur’s development vision was not limited to roads and bridges, but aimed at transforming the city into a modern, clean, green and climate-resilient urban centre.

He said urban forestry, tree plantation, water conservation and eco-friendly infrastructure were among the key priorities.

Bilawal Bhutto appreciated the development projects and measures being taken to improve civic services in Sukkur, stressing that the benefits of development projects must reach the public directly.

“Providing quality civic amenities to the public, improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of life should be the top priority,” Bilawal said.