SAFDAR RASHEED

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Anti-Terrorism & Chairman Cabinet Committee on Flood Col Shuja Khanzada (R) has said that other areas, like the schools of flood-hit areas, will also open on August 15. However, local administration will be authorized to take decision about extending the vacations in the light of the situation, he added. He said that 362 schools were affected in flood-hit areas out of which more than 80 percent will be available for study up to August 15. He said that the schools will be shifted to other places temporarily till the threat of flood is over.

He said this while addressing commissioners and DCOs of affected districts through video link at Civil Secretariat, here on Monday. Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nadeem Ashraf, Provincial Secretaries, DG PDMA, DG Health Dr. Zahid Pervaiz, senior officers of meteorological, police and education departments were also present on the occasion. The Provincial Minister said that if needed schools will be made operational in relief camps and the teachers of the schools of flood-hit areas will teach in relief camps.

Col. Shuja Khanzada (R) stressed upon the commissioners, DCOs and monitoring teams of flood arrangements to take care of the quality and quantity of meal being provided to flood affectees. He said that according to the prescribed timings, breakfast should be provided to the affectees at 7 am, lunch at 1 pm whereas dinner at 7 pm. He warned that no negligence in provision of meal to the affectees will be tolerated. The Minister said that meal, medicine, vaccination and other facilities as well as books and toys are being given to the children in relief camps. He directed all DCOs to deal with affectees politely while distributing meal. Chief Secretary Punjab, Khizar Hayat Gondal told the Minister that six lakh cusecs water will be discharged at Layyah in River Sindh during next 36 hours and all precautionary measures have been rechecked.