Dengue larvae found at LDA Complex

Director blames chief engineer

LAHORE

Under-construction block of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Complex in Johar Town has allegedly turned into the breeding ground for dengue larvae, which posed a serious threat to local residents about an outbreak of the disease.

A visit to the under-construction office building right behind the office of LDA director general clearly exposed the authority’s claims that it was taking all necessary measures to eliminate dengue larvae from the residential areas coming in its jurisdiction.

Stagnant water is present on all the floors of the multi-storey under-construction building where scattered construction material, including iron rods, tiles, bricks and etc have turned it into the hiding places for dengue larvae.

It is pertinent to mention here that the building’s major construction work had been completed about a week ago but since then none of the LDA senior officials visited this site and took notice of this issue.

LDA’s Director Administration Shakeel Bhatti, who is overall responsible for ensuring sanitation and cleanliness facilities at LDA Complex said the contractor had so far not handed over the building to LDA. On a question that had he or his staff made any routine inspection of the building to check cleanliness issues, he said the office of LDA chief engineer was responsible for this.

Surveillance of under-construction multi-storey buildings in the city to eliminate dengue larvae is the prime job of Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Punjab. Head of EPD’s dengue surveillance team Ms Nusrat said she had nine dedicated teams to check under-construction buildings in the city and they daily visit such sites. She said there were 90 percent chances about presence of dengue larvae at under-construction sites.

Over a question about inspection of LDA Complex, she said that she would direct the team concerned to visit this site and eliminate dengue larvae, if present. She added that action would also be taken against the responsible as per law.