KARACHI, Jan 24: Treasury members in the city council on Saturday once again raised the issue of the electricity crisis in the city by tabling a resolution demanding the immediate installation of energy saver lamps in the streets of the city.

Moved by leader of the house Asif Siddiqui and other treasury members, the resolution also called for implementing the earlier suggestions made by the house to the federal and provincial governments, including the one submitted by the naib nazim about the use of energy savers which could help overcome the energy crisis and relieve citizens of the curse of frequent load-shedding.

The resolution also noted that frequent load-shedding forced people to take to the streets to register their protest, saying that it had badly affected industrial production which “contradicted the claims made by the federal government in this regard”.

The council meeting was presided over by Naib Nazim Nasreen Jalil who allowed Mr Siddiqui to make his submissions on the resolution.

Taking the floor, Mr Siddiqui said defective planning was the main cause of the existing energy crisis, adding that the house had earlier made valuable suggestions on the issue, including the proposal of using energy savers made by the house convener, but they were ignored.

He also expressed concern over the rise in electricity and gas tariffs and urged the government to reverse its decision in the interest of the people who were already overburdened by rising prices. The contention of Mr Siddiqui was also supported by another treasury councillor, Javaid Jadoon.

The views of the treasury members were not contradicted by any opposition member. However, opposition leader Mehbub Sheikh complained to the chair that opposition members were not being given enough time to present their points of view on different issues.

But the convener ignored Mr Sheikh’s objection, saying that being the custodian of the house, she had always respected views of both sides and allowed every member to explain his point of view.

Ms Jalil said it was regrettable that some members had taken undue advantage of their status. She particularly mentioned the “harsh attitude” adopted by opposition leader Anwar Baloch on the water issue of his locality, saying that she had specially summoned the officials concerned to explain the situation, but “Mr Baloch was not present in the house.”

On this, some treasury members tried to counter Mr Baloch’s statement. But the convener warned the members not to comment on the statement of the opposition leader as he was not present in the house. She advised the house to shun the practice of opposition for the sake of opposition and conclude their arguments on the electricity crisis. However, when the resolution was put to the vote, it was adopted unanimously.

Civic problems

While the proceedings of the house was in progress, some opposition members stood up and submitted that they be allowed to present the problems of their respective union councils.

Allowing the opposition members to make their submissions, the convener said every member had a right to present his grievances as it was the duty of house members to help solve the civic problems of their areas.

Thereafter, opposition member Yaqub Khan complained that land grabbers had been active in his union council, and urged the city government to take measures for the vacation of the public land.

Ibrahim Mughal from Lyari Town said work on Shah Waliullah Road had halted after the kidnap of the project’s contractor. He urged the city nazim to direct the authorities for his immediate recovery. He also called for accelerating work on Shah Latif Bhitai Road.

Opposition leader Dr Ziauddin also drew the attention of the chair toward the slow pace of work on Manghopir Road.

Juman Darwan drew the attention of the house to the tanker mafia, saying that the number of illegal hydrants had jumped up to 16.

He said it was due to the tanker mafia’s activities, which was operating in collaboration with KWSB officials, that an artificial water shortage existed in Site, Baldia and Orangi towns.

Opposition member Qambar Ali Bungash also demanded repair of Pehlvan Road in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. Another opposition member, Ramzan Awan, agreed with Sarwat Arif of the treasury that insanitary conditions and defective sewerage existed in parts of his union council, saying that he had raised the issue in the house several times.

Taking the floor, treasury leader Arshad Qureshi said the water shortage problem could not be solved unless drastic action was taken against water tanker operators, who, he said, were responsible for the scarcity of water.

Treasury members Nikat Shakil and Syed Absarul Hasan also participated in the debate.

Thereafter, the members took house business and adopted five more resolution.

A resolution suggested changes in the city council’s March 4, 2008 resolution regarding the EDO group of officers in municipal services.

Another resolution allowed administrative changes in Gulberg Town.

The city council also adopted a resolution about the change of status of use of land measuring 2.5 acres consisting of four plots in Block 1 and 2 in Clifton along the beach.

Yet another resolution granted a 30-year lease to plots ST-2 and ST-2-B in Block G of North Nazimabad, Gymkhana, on a rental basis.

The council also approved a resolution allowing a raise of Rs3,000 to Rs4,000 in the salary of leprosy volunteers working in the defunct KMC hospital.

After the adoption of the resolution, the convener adjourned the meeting to meet again on Jan 28.