Minister for continuous water supply to industrial zones

KARACHI: The coordination committee meeting chaired by Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo has decided that the Karachi Water Board would ensure uninterrupted supply of water to the industrial zones, while the relevant departments would assign focal persons for solving the problems of the industrialists.

It was also decided in the meeting that Sindh Solid Waste Management Board would sign a memorandum of understanding with the relevant business organisations under which waste material would be lifted from the industrial zones.

Secretary Industries and Commerce Muhammad Yasin Sher Baloch, Secretary Environment, Secretary Labor, Director General Sindh Building Control Authority, officers, representatives of Sui Southern Gas Company, K-Electric and business community were present in the meeting.

It was also decided in the meeting the SSGC would also ensure uninterrupted supply of gas to industrial zones.

The MD SITE would ensure the elimination of encroachments from the industrial zones and the cooperation of the local administration would also be sought in this regard.

The Department of Labor and the Department of Environment would ensure the government-fixed wages and safety of factory works. It was also decided in the meeting that K-Electric would solve the problems related to power supply to the industrial zones. The Sindh Building Control Authority would regulate the industrial buildings established in the industrial zones.

Addressing the meeting, Jam Ikramullah Dharejo said that the problems of industrialists would be solved with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Dr Marri highlighted the critical need for research and development in seed development, noting a significant gap as suitable seeds are currently unavailable in Pakistan.

Qabool Khatiyan, Chairman of the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA), addressed water management issues, explaining that the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) has a capacity of only 4,000 cusecs, inadequate for handling heavy rains and floods. He raised concerns about groundwater pollution, attributing it to contamination from the River Indus, which pollutes groundwater resources.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024