Editorial:
Flash floods unleashed by torrential rains exposed the construction quality of dams across Balochistan. Heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan recently. Floods swept away dozens of small delay and check dams in different parts of the province.
Over the years, the provincial and federal governments constructed hundreds of dams to check the wastage of rainy water. Successive governments merely celebrated the completion of projects rather than focusing on the construction quality of dams. Although, the dams and lakes constructed by British colonial rulers in different parts of Balochistan are still intact even after more than a century.
Also Read: Balochistan floods: 7 dead bodies found in Loralai, Quetta
Breaching of dams puts human lives at peril
Breaching of dams not only failed to save rainy water rather it also put human lives at peril in Pishin, Barkhan, Lasbella, Kohlu, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah and other districts of the province. Rains-related incidents have claimed 65 lives till the filing of this editorial. This is simply disastrous and a failure from all concerned quarters.
Flash floods also swept away poorly constructed roads and standing crops in various parts of the province. This all needs a thorough investigation. Irrigation and Communication Works (C&W) departments are known for commission and corruption.
Also Read: Monsoon rains claim 45 lives in Balochistan
Commission, corruption a common word in C&W and Irrigation departments
This is a good opportunity for those at the helm of affairs to make sure transparency in the utilization of funds by the two departments. Since word commission is an open secret in the two departments, the Chief Secretary of Balochistan should form a high-powered committee comprising committed and honest retired and serving officers to probe into the breaching of dams.
Also Read: Death toll rises to 25 in rains-related incidents in Balochistan: DG PDMA
The quality of construction of roads in Quetta and all districts of Balochistan should also be probed to improve socio-economic conditions. The irony with Balochistan is that first the province has meager resources and second they too are ruthlessly used/ swallowed.
Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo and his coalition partners must go beyond words and launch an inquiry into the breaching of dams and damage to roads.
