Assembly Business

List of Business

Summary of Proceedings

PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT

LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR

MONDAY THE 2^ND FEBRUARY, 2009.

*120. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that the City District Government Karachi has taken over 8 Acres of land belonging to defunct District Council, Karachi situated near Civic Centre;

(b)   Is it a fact that the CDGK is proposing to auction the said Land for Five Star Hotel?

 ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      No it has not been taken over. However with the promulgation of the SLGO-2001, the District Council Karachi was devolved to the City District Government, Karachi and its properties, assets and liabilities were transferred to the City District Government Karachi, as per the provision of Section 180 of the SLGO.

(b)      This land is strategically located in front of Expo Centre. The land is under utilized, the City Government has decided to use this land to facilitate large number of delegates visiting from abroad and up country to participate in large number of exhibition being held in            Expo Center.

Accordingly a proposal was moved and the City District Council Karachi vide its CR No.314 dated January 28,2008, approved/ allowed change of land use so as to invite/ attract direct foreign investment on the basis of Public-Private Partnership to develop this land for optimum  utilization.

*121. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Total area of Karachi bifurcating Urban and Rural area;

(b)   Is it a fact that Rural areas are deprived from basic facilities such as  Health, Education, Drinking Water, Sewerage and Gas;

(c)    If answer to (b) above is in affirmative, criteria of distribution of funds between Urban & Rural areas?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      Karachi is now ranked one of the 12 mega cities of the world land the largest/fastest growing city of Pakistan having a population of 18 million. The land area of City District Karachi is approximately 3600 square kilometers. With the promulgation of SLGO-2001, the entire area has been declared as City District Karachi having one (1) City District Government Karachi and eighteen (18) Town Municipal Administrations. As such there is no difference of Urban and Rural.

(b)      As earlier mentioned there is no distinction between Urban and Rural as per SLGO-2001.

The City District Government Karachi has undertaken development schemes/ projects in each and every area/locality of basic utilities/facilities in education, health, drinking water, sewerage, etc. in all the 18 Towns including Gadap, Bin Qasim, Keamari and Lyari without any discrimination.

(c)      There is no criteria for distribution of funds on Urban and Rural basis. The funds are distributed by Provincial Finance Commission between different towns of Karachi not by City Government. The formula for distribution of funds as notified by Provincial Finance Department is as under:-

*145. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

The name of competent authority who appointed Chairman KDA and Chairman M.D.K.W.S.B?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister, Sindh is competent authority for appointment of Chairman KDA and KW&SB.

Services & General Administration Department is competent authority to appoint the Managing Director, Karachi Water & Sewerage Board.

*146. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

Whether it is a fact that Hyderabad Development Authority has been devolved to District Government Hyderabad?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

The Honourable Governor of Sindh was pleased to accord permission to devolve different Development Authorities vide Summary dated 7-1-2002 moved by the Secretary to Government of Sindh, Housing Town Planning Department, Karachi. Accordingly, KDA was also devolved as per Government Notification.

The Zila Nazim, District Government, Hyderabad was asked by the Government to take steps to devolve H.D.A into City, District Government vide No. SO(Dev:)HTP 1-30/2001 dated        10-1-2002 of Sindh.

In pursuance of the Government instructions, a proposal of devolution of H.D.A was moved by the Zila Nazim, District Government, Hyderabad vide letter No.1267 dated 10-6-2002 to the Government of Sindh which was placed before the Re-structuring Committee Meeting held on 22-6-2002.

The Government of Sindh was pleased to approve the proposal of the Re-structuring Committee for creation of a “Master Plan Group of Offices” as a 12th Group of Offices in Hyderabad and the case was then moved to the Secretary for Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights Division, Government of Pakistan Islamabad by the Law Secretary, Government of Sindh for amendment in SLGO 2001 Section 14 as the Sindh Local Government Ordinance is included in the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution, it can not be altered  or amended without the prior sanction of the President of Pakistan under clause (2) of the Article 268 of the Constitution of Pakistan. The decision of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights Division, Government of Pakistan is still awaited. H.D.A Act stands repealed and authority remained un-devolved while Act of other Development Authorities viz. Liayari, Larkana, Malir and Sehwan Development Authorities have been revived vide Notification dated January 2007 and Ordinance to revive and amend certain laws relating to Development Authorities in the province of Sindh and the authorities were restored to its previous/ original position to function except H.D.A.

However, the Governing Body of the authority has been constituted by the Government of Sindh vide Notification No.SO(G)HTP/HDA/2-13/97/14439 dated 23-9-2006 and the matter for revival of HDA Act is under process at Government level.

*149. DR. MUHAMMAD SALEEM HINGORO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that in the last 3 years. Rs 600 millions were allocated, and expenditure incurred by the Union Councils of District Thatta, subsequently the concerned record of Municipal Committee Thatta and Union Council Makli, Darya Khan sahu, Jhoke Sharif and Gharo is missing;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, do the Government intend to conduct Audit of aforesaid Municipal Committee and Union Councils of the last three years?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      The total OZT released to all  55 Union Councils in the last 3 years as under:-

However, for the missing record the report called from concerned Councils and their reply received are as under:-

As the entire record of TMA, Thatta/UC Makli/Gharo have been burnt on 28.12.2007 FIR copies placed on the table of the House, such report were submitted to all the higher authorities, hence, the actual allocation with expenditure can not be intimated. However, the UCs Jhoke Sharif and Darya Khan Suho have intimated that the record of their UCs are available.

(b)     There is pre-audit system introduced in all the local councils in Sindh vide section 114(2)(c) SLGO, 2001, and every bill is pre-audited before making the expenditure.

*162. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Steps taken by the Government for construction of low cost housing;

(b)   Is it a fact that Housing has been declared as an industry by the Government alongwith its Low Cost?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)   In pursuance to decisions taken by the Federal Cabinet in March, 2008 regarding housing facilities for the poor people residing in rural and urban areas, the Government of Sindh has taken various steps for construction of low cost houses for the poor. The Honourable Chief Minister Sindh has announced a Mega Programme to provide shelter to the poor. The Government of Sindh has established the people's Housing Cell (PHC) for the purpose. In its 1st year the PHC has set a target of providing 100,000 housing units for poor.

The Steering Committee on housing for poor is vigorously pursuing this work. Government intends to undertake such projects for the housing for poor and low middle class citizen both in urban as well as rural areas to make this successful story. Keeping in view of previous experiments the Govt. is very keen and careful on selection of pieces of land. Such locations are being examined and physically inspected where infrastructure and civic amenities are available. Quite a good number of pieces of lands have been identified all over the province for housing program. The sites proposed are situated in Karachi, Nawabshah, Larkana and Khairpur.

For this purpose the People's Housing Cell has invited expression of interest from interested firms, consultants through Advertisement which appeared in daily Dawn of July 16th, 2008 and other news papers.

(b)   It is not a fact that Housing has been declared as an Industry by the Government alongwith its Low Cost.

*169. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Whether it is a fact that a large number of residents affected due to construction of Lyari Express way and are still waiting for compensation/resettlement;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, steps taken by the Government to compensate/ resettle affecttees?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      It is a fact that large number of residents affected due to construction of Lyari Expressway. It is not a fact that these affectees are still waiting for compensation/ resettlement, because all of them have been compensated/resettled.

(b)      There are two categories of affectees of Lyari Expressway. The affectees of leased properties were and are being compensated under the Land Acquisition Act. The affectees as encroachers were and are being compensated as per existing policy of the Government, like that only cash compensation as assessed by survey team or full unit compensation i.e (plot of 80 square yards plus cheque of Rs.50,000/-) as assessed by survey team.

*192. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that Malir Development Authority in February 2008 had included survey numbers of different Dehs in its jurisdiction;

(b)   If answer to (a) above be in affirmative, the name with designation of the authority who issued the notification, whether he consulted the local public representative i.e. MPA-MNA or Town Nazims etc?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)   Malir Development Authority had issued Notification for the declaration of the controlled area falls within the different Dehs in its jurisdiction. As for as the issue of private surveys falls in these Dehs will be decided after finalization and confirmation of Notification plan and information provided by the Board of Revenue, Sindh in this regard.

(b)      The Chairman, MDA/ City Nazim, Karachi issued the Notification duly published by the Authority in the Sindh Government Gazette dated 27-02-2008 at Annexure, placed on the table of the House. The Local MPA’s and Town Nazim of Malir Town and Gadap Town are already included in Authority of Malir Development Authority.

*193. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that on a road between sector 14/A and sector 12/C Baldia Town Karachi encroachment was made by land grabbers, petition was filed in the Honorable High Court of Sindh and Hon’ble Court was pleased to pass orders for the demolition of construction made therein, if so, whether the orders of Hon’ble High Court of Sindh had been complied, if not the reasons thereof;

(b)   Does the Government intends to take action against the encroachers?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      It is a fact that the said road is under encroachment and the Honourable High Court of Sindh at Karachi has been pleased to pass order to remove the encroachments from the site in question. In order to comply the orders of Honourable High Court of Sindh at Karachi, the City District Government Karachi had planned removal operation on 17.5.2008 and in order to maintain law and order, a request was made to the DIG Operations (West) Karachi on 10.05.2008. But the said removal operation could not be conducted due to non availability of Police Force as the area is most sensitive. To maintain law and order, adequate Police for his essential.

However, next programme for removal of encroachment has been finalized and efforts are on to acquire the support/presence of the Police force.

(b)      The City District Government Karachi always remains active to remove the encroachments and it is a matter of record that old/massive encroachments from the precious CDGK/Government Land in different areas of the City District, had been removed.

*195. MR. NADEEM AHMED BHUTTO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

Is it a fact that Karachi City District Government has introduced the Community Police in the city if yes, its details;

(i)       Date of its establishment

(ii)      Person appointed there in and

(iii)     Duties performed by said Police

(iv)     Number of mobile vans purchased for Police with its cost?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(i)   The Community Policing System was introduced under Section 142 of the SLGO, in September 2007, in order to enforce the Municipal Rules and regulations as mentioned under Schedule VIII of the SLGO.

(ii)   An advertisement was released/published in the leading newspapers and accordingly the services of 100 Supervisors and 1400 Constables were hired on contract basis.

(iii)  To maintain strict watch over municipal properties, encroachment of land, unauthorized construction, encroachment on storm water drains, illegal installation of hoardings bill boards, unauthorized digging/cutting of roads, unauthorized opening of cabins, shops, huts and dumping of garbage of non designated places. Further to assist Traffic Police and TMAs to manage smooth traffic flow and facilitate pedestrian crossing at busy intersections and discouraging unauthorized parking at shopping plazas, malls.

(iv)   Twenty (20) Toyota Hilux vehicles at a total expenditure of Rs.20.780 million (1.039 million per vehicle), were purchased and fabricated through M/s Toyota Central Company, dealer of Indus Motors.

*201. MRS. HUMERA ALWANI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)  Is it a fact that in the second tenure of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto the then Prime Minister she announced “Karachi Mass Transit Program”;

(b)  If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, do Government intends to implement it?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government

(a)      Yes. BOOT bidding process was carried out as per the directives/announcement of Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto in the year 1995. The Government of Pakistan awarded the contract of 17.2 kilometer or Priority Corridor and Implementation Agreement was signed in January, 1996 with an anticipated financial close within one year. But due to change in Government, it was delayed. The Implementation Agreement was terminated in December, 2001, by the Government of Pakistan and the project was amicably settled by provision of an exit at minimum expenses.

(b)      In the year 2003, the City District Government Karachi, initiated fresh efforts and invited Expression of Interest (EOI) on BOT basis, but the same could not be implemented due to non-fulfillment of commitments by the bidder. The City District Government Karachi, against issued Letter of Intent (LOI) in October, 2007 for Light Rail Transit Project on priority corridor-I (Sohrab Goth to Tower).  However, the Government of Pakistan and the BOT firm could not fulfill their commitments and the LOI was terminated in March, 2008.

The present Government has also given Top Priority to the Mass Transit System and       Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh has issued directives in introducing Light Rail Transit System in Karachi. The Asian Development Bank has also agreed to provide Technical and Financial assistance towards the implementation of Mass Transit Programme.

*275. MR. ARIF MUSTAFA JATOI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Whether it is a fact that many valuable items of art of Pakistani artists have been stolen recently from the offices of the CDGK;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, steps taken by the Government for their recovery?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      No any item of art/painting of Pakistani Artists has been stolen from the offices of the City District Government, Karachi.

The confusion might be created due to publication of a news in the Daily Nation dated      18-05-2008 that four paintings of Pakistan’s legendary artist Saadquain were stolen from the Gallery Saadquain in Frere Hall, owned by City District Government, Karachi.

In this regard, it is submitted that no painting/art item was stolen from Gallery Saadquain, Culture Wing, as well as Offices of Community Development Department, City District Government, Karachi World renowned Artist Saadquain through his own hand painted on the roof of Frere Hall presently known as Gallery Saadquain. This Gallery is managed/maintained by the Culture Wing of Community Development Department, City District Government, Karachi. No any painting of Saadquain was available in the Saadquain Gallery, Frere Hall, therefore, there is no question of stealing four paintings from there.

(b)      Nil.

*332. DR. MUHAMMAD SALEEM HINGORO: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Whether it is a fact that to lay New line and to repair seepage from the old 48’’dia water line in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Karachi, a contract was awarded by KW&SB and the work on this contract is still continued since the year 2000;

(b)   Whether it is a fact that despite of the non completion of the work, the contractor was paid in year 2004; if so;

(i)    The date when the contract was awarded with name of contractor;

(ii)   The amount of contract and date-wise payment made to the contractor,

(iii)  Period of completion of the contract,

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

No work for new line and repair of seepage from the old 48 inch dia water line in Gulsn-e-Iqbal, Karachi is pending since 2000, hence the question for making payment in the year 2004 does not arise. However, if name of specific work be provided, this department will submit the details accordingly.

*415. MRS. HUMERA ALWANI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Findings of inquiry report regarding collapse of Shershah Bridge in September, 2007 at Karachi;

(b)   Number of people killed/injured and vehicles damaged due to collapse alongwith estimated loss?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

Does not pertain to the City District Government, Karachi. The matter pertains to National Highway Authority, Ministry of Communication, Government of Pakistan.

*417. MRS. HUMERA ALWANI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

Number of Assets of properties of KDA, KBCA and KWSB under the control of City District Government alongwith intention of the Government to take over the said Assets?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

The KDA was devolved to the City District Government, Karachi on August 14, 2001, as per Government of Sindh Order/Notification in pursuance of the provisions of the Sindh Local Government Ordinance-2001. No handing/taking over took place as all the departments of the devolved/defunct KDA are functioning in City District Government, Karachi. Therefore no question arise of listing of the assets/property as the same are existed/available under the administrative control of City District Government, Karachi.

Whereas no asset/property of Karachi Water & Sewerage Board and Karachi Building Control Authority, is taken over by the City District Government Karachi. All their assets/ properties are under the over all administrative control of Managing Director, KW&SB and the Chief Controller of Buildings, KBCA.

*538. HAJI MUHAMMAD HAYAT KHAN TALPUR: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

Amount provided to District Government Mirpurkhas during last three years under the head of Development Fund alongwith year-wise details of Development Work carried out and expenditure incurred thereon?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

Detail of Development Funds and its Expenditure for three years with Development Activity is at Annexure, placed on the table of the House.

*539. HAJI MUHAMMAD HAYAT KHAN TALPUR: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Is it a fact that 12 departments have been devolved into District Government resulting a lot of confusion;

(b)   If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, reasons thereof;

(c)    Is it a fact that Government has programme to bring the said departments back to Sindh Government;

(d)   If answer to (c) above is in affirmative, time by when?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)   Only few Departments of the Government of Sindh are decentralized to the City District Government, Karachi, as per previsions of the Sindh Local Government Ordinance-2001, which includes:-

(i)    Revenue Department.

(ii)   Education Department.

(iii)  Education Works Department

(iv)   Health Department

(v)    Social Welfare Department

(vi)   Agriculture Department including Forest and Livestock

Since decentralization of these departments to the City District Government, Karachi, the service delivery has been improved in these sectors.

(b)   Nil.

   (c)    This issue is not yet finalized.

   (d)    Nil

*583. MRS. HUMERA ALWANI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Names/number of Private Water hydrant operating unauthorized in various parts of Karachi;

(b)   Is it a fact that they are selling contaminated & unhygienic water to the people;

(c)    If answer to (b) above is in affirmative, action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      Private water hydrants operating un-authorizedly in the various parts of Karachi, are being disconnected by KW&SB staff from time to time. Recently illegal Hydrants were disconnected by KW&SB staff with the help of Local Police and Rangers, which includes:-

i.        Rehman Hydrant near Hub Reservoir.

ii.       Ismail Hydrant Crush Plant.

iii.      Shair Zaman Hydrant Surjani Chowk.

iv.      Shafiq Afghan UC Office Manghopir.

v.       Bhatti Hydrant Garam Chashma.

vi.      Toor Khan Football Ground Manghopir.

vii.     Rais near PSO Pump Do-Rasta.

viii.    Burrag Filling Station, Do-Rasta.

ix.      Hidayat Hydrant Nusrat Bhutto Colony.

x.       Mashallah Query Colony.

xi.      Hidayat, Query Colony.

xii.     M. Jan Afridi, Query Colony.

xiii.    Rais Mianwali, Mianwali Centre.

xiv.    Ameen (Diamond Tools MPR Colony).

xv.     Mianwali Tools (MPR Colony).

xvi.    Subhan near Cattle Bara, MPR Colony.

(b)      Does not pertain to KW&SB

(c)      KW&SB has no concern regarding selling of contaminated and un-hygienic water to the people as Government of Sindh is competent to take action against such contaminated water sellers.

*880. MR. SALEEM KHURSHEED KHOKHAR: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Names/location of Hospitals/Dispensaries being run by the City District Government Karachi as on 01-01-2008;

(b)   Number of outdoor/indoor patients at each during 01-01-2001 to 31-12-2001 and 01-01-2008 to 31-12-2008?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      A total of 228 Hospitals/ Dispensaries are being run in all the 18 Towns, as detailed below :-

(b)      Statement showing the Town-wise details of indoor and outdoor patients treated during the year 2001-2008:

Number of outdoor/indoor patient treated at each Hospital/Dispensary during the year 2001 and from 01.01.2008 to 30.09.2008 at Annexure, placed on the table of the House.

*881. MR. SALEEM KHURSHEED KHOKHAR: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)   Names/location of old Goths of Karachi demolished by City District Government Karachi during the period from 01-01-2006 to 31-12-2007 and land obtained due to this;

(b)   Whether the above land has been used;

(c)    If answer to (b) above is in affirmative, the details thereof?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

No such Goths within the jurisdictions of City District Government, Karachi have been demolished during the period from 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2007 by the City District Government, Karachi.

*993. MR. SALEEM KHURSHEED KHOKHAR: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

Mileage of High ways within jurisdiction of Karachi CDGK alongwith amount spent on the repair/renovation/re-construction and repair of the above mentioned roads during each of the last three financial years?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

Does not pertain to this department.

The matter pertains to the National Highway Authority, Government of Pakistan.

*1079. SYEDA MARVI RASHDI: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

(a)     Is it a fact that Garden west project on plot No. 149 and 150, Saddar Town is an illegal project;

(b)     If answer to (a) above is in affirmative, name of other illegal projects in City of Karachi from period during 1st January 2007 to 31st July 2008?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

(a)      The projects on Plot No. 149 and 150 GRW Garden West are legal projects, constructed after the approval granted by KBCA vide approval No.DCB(ST-II)KBCA/2007/82, dated 10.11.2007 and KBCA/DCB(ST-II)/2007/05/31, dated 29.05.2007, respectively for ground and eight upper floors (G+8)

(b)   The answer to (a) above is not in affirmative.

*1125. MS. FARHEEN MUGHAL: Will the Minister for Local Government be pleased to state:-

Name of Township schemes launched by the Hyderabad Development Authority and its establishment up to date alongwith number of residential/commercial and industrial plots developed in each scheme?

ANSWER

AGHA SIRAJ KHAN DURRANI, Minister for Local Government:

Hyderabad Development Authority has informed that the following Housing Schemes (self finance basis) were  announced/launched from October, 1979 to December 2008:-

Karachi:-                                                                    HADI BUX BURIRO

the 31st January, 2009.                                                    Secretary

                                                                           Provincial Assembly of Sindh