SC directs Sindh CM to give time frame for completion of water, sewerage plants in province

Karachi: The Supreme Court on Saturday directed Chief Minister Sindh to submit detailed reports specifying cut off dates of completion of water and sewerage projects in the province as well as time frame for completion of water supply, combine effluent treatment plants and sewerage projects in Karachi.

Issuing interim order on petition regarding provision of clean drinking water and safe environment to citizens of Sindh, SC’s three member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar observed that Chief Minister Sindh has been apprised that the proceedings were undertaken to ensure supply of clean drinking water and disposal of municipal, hospital and industrial waste after proper treatment.

Lack of such schemes have contaminated subsoil water and caused outbreak of waterborne diseases like Hepatitis-C, skin diseases and other related ailments. The court told the chief minister that the government must ensure proper functioning of existing facilities and set up new projects.

The court assured the chief minister that the court would lend support in removal of hiccups at all levels subject to a firm commitment and undertaking to the court. The bench observed that the Chief Minister Sindh has sought three week's time to submit the report along with the time frame for achieving the target.

The court directed the CM to submit district-wise report specifying a cutoff date on which all the points from where municipal, hospital and industrial sewerage is discharged into river Indus, its canals or any other source would be plugged.

The CM was also directed to submit a district wise report with a cutoff date of when a proper sewerage system along with treatment plants will be installed and operationalised in all the districts of Sindh.

Similarly in case of Karachi the court sought a cutoff date by which all existing treatment plants would be made functional to ensure discharge of treated sewerage into the sea.

The bench also sought fresh report within four weeks of K-4, S-III and the work already completed, the expected date of completion besides a district wise report showing the plans with their cutoff date for ensuring uncontaminated water for every district.

The court observed that former Mayor of Karachi, Mustafa Kamal, was summoned to explain the allotment of 49.1 acres of land reserved for expansion of Mehmoodabad Treatment Plant, to people displaced by the expansion of Preedy Street which he said was done on the recommendations of the city council. The court directed the chief minister to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within three weeks.

Kamal also told the Supreme Court that the K-4 project for supply of water from Kinjhar Lake to Karachi has not been completed though it was launched by him in 2005. He requested that the provincial government should be directed to excavate another channel in Project K-4 to meet future needs. The court observed that report of chief minister would also cover this aspect. The court adjourned the hearing till fourth week of January 2018.