KARACHI: A review meeting on anti-encroachments, illegal buildings and action against water thieves was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sindh Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput at Sindh Secretariat on Friday.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Senior Member Board of Revenue Baqaullah Unar, Commissioner Karachi Muhammad Iqbal Memon, Secretary Local Government Najam Ahmad Shah, MD Water Board, MD Malir Development Authority and others.

During the meeting, officials of MDA, KDA and Water Board gave a briefing on the proceedings. MDA officials said that the 150 acres of land belonging to Malir Development Authority had been retrieved from illegal occupants.

The DG Sindh Building Control Authority said that 12 illegal buildings had been demolished in Karachi. He further informed the meeting that SBCA had short listed six firms for demolition and those contractors would be sent with administration for demolition.

The Chief Secretary Sindh directed to submit detailed report of illegal buildings to the Deputy Commissioners. Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that heavy fines would be imposed against the mafia for constructing illegal buildings.

He further informed that Javed Sheikhani had been appointed as the coordinator to address issues of builders association Abad. The officials of Water Board informed that illegal connections were being removed from the system of Water Board. They further informed that six water theft connections had been removed from 48-inch pipeline near Saadi Town while six illegal water hydrants were also been demolished.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Sindh Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput said that 10MGD of water had been saved in the city so far by taking action against water thieves. He directed Police, Rangers and district administration to take full part in action against encroachments and water theft and the anti-encroachment force will be provided with equipment to deal with the riots. Nasir Hussain Shah said that the budget of anti-encroachment force would also be increased and more staff and powers would be given to it.