Defence secretary told to provide undertaking to install sewage plants in DHA

The Supreme Court-appointed judicial commission investigating the non-provision of potable water, proper sanitation facilities and healthy environment to Sindh’s people on Monday directed the defence secretary to provide an undertaking to install sewage treatment plants and make them functional for the upmarket DHA neighbourhoods across Karachi.

Headed by Justice (retd) Amir Hani Muslim, the commission took exception to the no-show of the defence secretary, who had been ordered to appear before the judicial body in connection with the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea in DHA localities.

The Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) chief executive said advertisements inviting tenders for the sewage treatment plants will be published within two days after the completion of the codal formalities, adding that the facilities will be made functional by December.

The commission said the defence secretary should also undertake to connect all sewerage lines of DHA Phase-VIII to the treatment plant installed near Creek Vista adjacent to the Golf Club within four months, and it will be binding on the relevant officials of the CBC and the DHA.

The judicial body directed the federal law officer to submit the undertaking from the defence secretary in connection with treatment of sewage within a week.

The CBC’s counsel said the board is taking steps for cleaning the beach areas, adding that the treatment plant will be made functional within six months. The commission said that between China Town and Do Darya, there are four points from where sewage has been allowed to be released into the sea.  

Potable water

The judicial body also heard the DHA and the CBC on the issue of providing potable water to their respective residents. The commission asked the DHA’s counsel how high-rises are being allowed to be constructed in the absence of water in the locality.

The judicial body directed the task force member to get in touch with the secretaries of the DHA and the CBC to resolve the issue of supplying potable water to the housing authority.

K-IV project

Regarding the realignment of the K-IV Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, the project’s consultant said the scheme has been realigned on the directives of the project director. He said the land within the project area needed to be acquired, but since it did not happen, the scheme was realigned. The Malir assistant commissioner said the consultant’s statement was contrary to the record since the land was acquired and available, except five kilometres of it because of being under dispute.

The judicial body directed former project director Saleem Siddiqui to appear before it to explain under what circumstances he had ordered the realignment of the K-IV scheme. The commission directed the former project director to explain if he had the authority to issue such an order to the consultant without the prior approval of the government, since the scheme is being funded by the provincial and federal administrations and such realignment will definitely have an effect on the exchequer. The project director of the S-III Greater Karachi Sewerage Development Plan told the judicial body that the scheme has been progressing in accordance with the work plan.  

Dedicated line

On the complaint of Baldia Town residents as regards the non-supply of water, the commission directed the managing director of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board and the task force member to ensure that the people receive their due share of the commodity through the new Baldia hydrant. The judicial body directed the chief of the water board to ensure that the dedicated water supply line for Baldia Town is completed by June 30.

Earlier hearing

In a hearing on May 8, taking exception to the discharge of untreated sewage directly into the sea, the commission had directed the DHA to submit its master plan while highlighting areas where treatment plants are planned.

The judicial body directed the DHA to resolve the issues with regard to discharge of untreated sewage into the sea, warning that the commission would take serious steps if the authority failed to comply.

Projects advisers of the DHA said there is a functional treatment plant, but it is abandoned or not allowed to be functional after the scheme was handed over to the cantonment board. Observing that there are four points between China Town and Do Darya from where sewage is falling into the sea, the commission directed the DHA to submit its entire original plan, highlighting the areas where treatment plants have been planned.

The judicial body also directed the DHA to submit the details of the working treatment plants, if any, to the commission. The officers of the DHA and the cantonment boards requested a week’s time to undertake this exercise and resolve these issues. The commission then directed Dr Murtaza to collect samples from all the drains of the DHA and submit a report to the judicial body on May 15.