Sindh govt completes construction of 3,100 houses for flood affectees in Sukkur

SUKKUR: The Sindh government has completed the construction of 3,100 houses for flood affectees in District Sukkur. This initiative is part of the broader Sindh People’s Housing Scheme, which aims to build a total of 83,417 houses for flood-affected individuals.

The handover ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning and Development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Government Spokesperson and Mayor of Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, and Chairman of the District Council Sukkur Syed Kumail Haider Shah. They presented the keys and ownership documents to the beneficiaries.

The ceremony took place on Friday in the village of Peer Muhammad Jagirani, near Rohri. During the event, the officials distributed house keys and ownership certificates to 100 flood affectees.

Deputy Commissioner Sukkur M.B. Rajar was also present on the occasion. Speaking to the media, Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah informed that, under the guidance of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Sindh government has launched a massive housing project aimed at constructing 2.1 million houses for flood affectees across the province. This project will provide relief to around 10 million people in Sindh and is expected to be completed within two years.

He noted that while floods had affected hundreds of thousands of people in other provinces, only the Sindh government, led by the Pakistan People’s Party, was actively engaged in rebuilding homes. He mentioned that bank accounts for 800,000 families had been activated, and the process of transferring funds in instalments had begun.

Some families had received one or two instalments, while others had received their third or fourth instalment. He stressed that, along with the Chief Minister of Sindh, their goal was to ensure transparency in the project, enabling flood-affected families to have a secure roof over their heads.

Furthermore, he mentioned that Hands is overseeing the construction of homes for flood-affected individuals in Sukkur, with financial support from the Sindh government, the World Bank, and other organisations. He emphasised that the construction process prioritises essential amenities such as water supply, drainage, sanitation, and healthcare facilities to ensure a healthy living environment.

Speaking to the media, Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, Spokesperson for the Sindh Government and Mayor of Sukkur, stated that the Pakistan People’s Party’s Sindh government, under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is fulfilling its promise to provide homes to flood affectees.

He mentioned that the construction of 2.1 million homes is a clear testament to the fact that the People’s Party is committed to serving the people. The People’s Housing Project will not only provide shelter to the affected individuals but also create employment opportunities. “Building a robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters and floods is our foremost priority,” the spokesperson added.

Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh and Chairman District Council Sukkur Syed Kumail Haider Shah, conducted an inspection of the housing project being constructed for flood affectees.

During the briefing, it was revealed that the construction targets for Sukkur district include 83,417 houses, with 12,819 houses planned for Taluka New Sukkur and Sukkur City, 26,515 houses being built for flood victims in Taluka Rohri, 27,119 houses targeted for Pano Akil Taluka, and 16,954 houses under construction in Saleh Pat Taluka.

Following this, Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Shaikh, and Chairman District Council Sukkur Syed Kumail Haider Shah visited Targhati village to inspect the newly constructed homes for flood affectees. They also distributed house keys and ownership documents to the deserving beneficiaries.

During the briefing, it was reported that the initial target was to build houses for 304 families in Targhati. To date, the first installment has been transferred to 275 families. Construction work has reached the DPC stage for 234 houses.

Additionally, 212 families have received their second installment, and 133 families have received their third installment. The construction of roofs has been completed for 90 houses.

Provincial Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, while speaking to the media, stated that the construction of houses for flood-affected individuals has been expedited across the province, and ownership rights are being granted to the affected families.

Regarding IBA PASS candidates and job opportunities, he responded that the People’s Party has ensured employment for those who meet the merit criteria, despite facing obstacles and legal challenges. The process for hiring candidates who passed the IBA test is ongoing, and there is no need for protest as the Sindh government is addressing the issue.

Syed Hussain Shah revealed that some individuals are provoking him to resort to protests.

Electricity tarrif

Addressing the issue of electricity tariffs, the Provincial Minister expressed concern that the current rates are beyond the means of ordinary citizens and that excessive billing is a major issue. To tackle this, a specialised cell has been established within the Energy Department to facilitate the reconciliation of electricity bills for average consumers and to address their complaints.

He noted that President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have engaged in discussions with the federal government concerning electricity tariffs, and he remains hopeful that a solution will be found to alleviate the burden on the general public. He also stated that if the IMF has set conditions, the federal government should provide an alternative solution and emphasised the urgent need to revisit the IPP agreements.

Political situation

He clarified that there is no emergency situation in the country and that discussions on this matter are ongoing. If the courts make such decisions, it can create a perception of emergency among the public.

“We have always supported democracy, and hopefully, it will continue to thrive in the country. The PTI must abandon its chaotic political agenda.” He added that the recent terrorist attack in Bannu Cantt, marked by gunfire, is a case in point.

Syed Nasir Hussain Shah noted that the DG ISPR has clarified the facts surrounding the Bannu incident. Mr Shah also stated that PTI needs to change its political approach and apologise for the incidents of May 9. It is time for PTI to disengage from this destructive path. He opined that the future belongs to PTI ‘B’, and they should take the lead.

Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway

Regarding the motorway project, he clarified that the Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway is a crucial initiative that has not been scrapped. “Although there are some issues, we are optimistic that they will be resolved,” he said.