CM for equal attention towards relief & rehabilitation

KARACHI: The situation in rain-hit areas is alarming and relief and rehabilitation should be done equally for the affected people, said Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah here on Tuesday.

In a meeting with a business delegation from Italy and Schon Group executives at CM House, he said cattle, crops and infrastructure had sustained extensive losses.

The Sindh Chief Minister said armed forces of the country were actively doing relief and rehabilitation work.

"Our focus is on coordinated efforts and therefore besides armed forces, irrigation and other departments were also conducting the necessary task ," he said. The Chief Minister said the third stage of rehabilitation is also underway.

Leader of the business delegation from Italy, M. Giuseppe Forlancelli expressed sympathy on behalf of Italian government for the suffering people. He also offered cooperation and assistance, on behalf of his group, to the provincial government for rebuilding the infrastructure in the affected areas.

"We can help in construction of roads, bridges and small dams," he said. He said that Sindh government and Italian business group could discuss and finalise an action plan for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

Forlancelli said his group will provide assistance and investment worth Euro 200 to 300 million for the purpose.

On the occasion the Chief Minister told the delegation that Sindh government in close coordination with federal government has taken upon itself the task to assist the flood victims.

President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the officials to prepare a Master Plan with immediate focus to drain out rain water from towns, villages and agricultural lands, he told the delegation. Syed Qaim Ali Shah said this is not an easy job, however, it is very important and had to be done urgently to prevent outbreak of diseases.

Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Saifullah Dharejo, Minister for Rehabilitation Haji Muzaffar Shujra, Secretary, Board of Investment Younis Dhaga, Senior Member Board of Revenue Shahzar Shamoon and others were also present on the occasion.

The meeting was attended by Massimiliano Calderan, Enrico Musso, Luncchetta Antonio, Lucchetta Gaspare, Mazzriol Adriano,Eneaalcerni Badin, Danial Schon and Nasir Schon. (APP)