DADU, Jan 20: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said that work on the remodelling of Dadu Canal will start soon and more water will be released for its waterways and direct outlets to improve agriculture in the command area of the canal.

Referring to release of saline water of Manchhar Lake into Indus River, he said that the government had launched the Right Bank Outfall Drain project to divert flow of the saline water to the sea.

He was speaking at a public gathering at the local stadium on Saturday which was organized by Pir Najeebullah, the cousin of People’s Party Parliamentarians leader Pir Mazharul Haq.

On the occasion, Mr Najeebullah with local PPP leaders Ghulam Hussain Panhwar, Ghulam Abbas Kabooro, Haji Mehrab Shahani and Mevo Khan Panhwar announced to join the Pakistan Muslim League.

DR Rahim alleged that the release of saline water into the lake through MNV drain had begun in the era of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto to protect her lands in Larkana.

Talking about formers employees of the closed Dadu and Thatta sugar mills, he said that the government was planning to pay golden handshake amount to those who were ready to get it and provide alternative jobs to others.

The chief minister blamed trade union activities for creating crises in the mills, leading to their closure. He added that if the two mills had not been closed, Sindh would not have faced any sugar crisis.

Referring to an ongoing controversy over sugarcane prices to be paid by sugar mills, he said that majority of the mills in Sindh were owned by Asif Ali Zardari, his friends and other PPP leaders.

He said that secondary education boards were opposing government decision of combined examinations of ninth and tenth classes because under the new system they would be deprived of huge amount paid by students for appearing in ninth class examinations.

He held the boards responsible for deteriorating state of secondary and intermediate education and alleged that board officials gave more marks to undeserving students after getting bribe.

However, he pledged stern action against the corrupt officials and said that the teachers failing to take classes would be sacked.

He said that a large number of ghost schools existed in the Kachho area and their teachers were getting salaries. The chief minister said that he had issued final notice to the EDO (education) of Dadu district to improve the situation or face action.

He said that he had stopped funds for school management committees because they were being embezzle by education officials.

Dr Rahim said that the teachers sacked in 1998 would be reinstated in their jobs.

On water issue, he alleged that Zafar Ali Leghari as Sindh irrigation minister had signed an agreement in 1994 as a result 1991 water accord was cancelled and Sindh sustained losses.

PPP: He denied that the government was interested in any deal with the PPP and said that PPP leaders were spreading such news to strengthen their party.

He claimed that Benazir Bhutto wanted to hold negotiations with Gen Ziaul Haq but did not so because it had enraged Murtaza Bhutto.

He said that funds would be provided to improve drainage network in Dadu city and feasibility should be sent to him in this regard.

MPAs Dr Sajeela Leghari and Sadaqat Jatoi, Mr Najeebullah and Bhan union council nazim Rosh an Burro also spoke on the occasion.