HYDERABAD, Feb 17: Hopes have been rekindled on the revival of contacts between the local PPP leadership and Hyderabad District Nazim.

Syed Ameer Ali Shah Jamote broke the impasse by visiting the house of District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jamil along with a delegation of PPP leaders which was reciprocated by the latter by visiting those areas in need of road and drainage attention, immediately.

The nazim informed the party leaders that the federal government’s delay in releasing funds under the Hyderabad Development Programme (HDP) was hampering development work, particularly in two talukas.

The release of funds was tied to Sindh Planning and Development Department’s approval to the schemes designed for two talukas.

The PPP leaders would take up the matter with the provincial government for getting released Rs400-500 million for completion of pending work before next local bodies polls.

District Nazim told PPP leaders that the work pointed out by them was in the pipeline but its execution was being delayed because of the delay in release of funds.

MNA Jamote talking to Dawn appreciated the stance taken by Nazim. He admitted that delay in execution of development work was because of lack of coordination between party leaders and district nazim.

“We all are sailing in the same boat,” he said while pointing towards the coalition of PPP and MQM both, at federal and provincial levels. He stressed on addressing all issues amicably and without heartburn.

Some important issues raised by the MNA and PPP leaders pertained to construction of roads, drainage and drinking water supply works. It was also pointed out that the taluka hospital was in need of proper health facilities and a maternity home.

Once the Sindh government approved the HDP component from federal funds then the same would be released for Qasimabad and rural talukas, said the MNA.

Main urban centre of Qasimabad was hit with encroachment which the district nazim had hinted at removing subject to party’s assurance of backing the drive.

However, the party consented not only to owning the drive but also assuring their presence if local government promised to begin the development work, immediately.

Encroachments were impeding plans of developing a green belt from Sheedi Goth to Wadhu Wah, it was told.

The MNA was overwhelmed by the delay in 80-90 per cent of work as it was affecting his electorates of NA-220 covering entire Qasimabad and parts of rural Hyderabad. He felt optimistic of future developments between the PPP and the MQM.

Acting president PPP Amanullah Siyal describing the meeting as a positive development hailed the district nazim’s willingness to get approved a road scheme worth Rs10 million in Qasimabad from Pakora bus stop.

Conceding lack of coordination, he hoped of improved conditions as all schemes were approved with tendering process completed. “The matter will be taken up by our MNA with the Sindh chief minister soon”, Siyal added.

District Nazim told Dawn that he had already got done the work in road, drainage and water supply sector in Qasimabad taluka.

He said that he was ready to execute the pending work provided schemes pending in P&D department since January 2008 gets approved.

He said that the same augured well with anti-encroachment drive which needed the area peoples support.

LOADSHEDDING: Hesco has finally ended loadshedding while complaints of detection bills and excess meter reading would be resolved soon, said Chief Executive K.B.Qureshi while speaking to businessmen at the auditorium of Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) on Monday.

“Efforts are underway to complete repair and maintenance of utility’s infrastructure before the advent of summer season for uninterrupted power supply,” he said.

He sought the help of business community in the recovery of outstanding dues for improving company’s efficiency.

President HCCI, Shafique Ahmed Qureshi in the welcome address said that the cooperation between the chamber and utility had helped in restoring the confidence of commercial and industrial consumers and stressed on continuing it for the elimination of detection bills and excess reading.

He demanded posting of responsible officers at customer service centers for providing one-window facility and spot help.