Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani chaired a significant meeting of the provincial Local Government Commission on Tuesday to address several pressing disputes between municipal agencies. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary for the Sindh Local Government Department, Syed Khalid Hyder Shah, and other key commission members.
One of the key issues discussed was the ongoing dispute between the Lyari Development Authority (LDA) and Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) Maripur regarding jurisdiction over a road used for laying optic fibre cables.
Both agencies presented arguments claiming ownership of the disputed road, with each asserting their right to impose charges for the use of the right of way. The commission, operating within its authority defined by the Sindh Local Government Act of 2013, listened carefully to the arguments from both sides and will make a decision on the matter.
The commission also addressed other jurisdictional disputes, including a case between the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and the TMCs of Shah Lateef and Hussainabad. Representatives from all parties presented their positions, with the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s Municipal Commissioner and the TMCs’ chairmen offering their perspectives. Furthermore, the commission reviewed an application from the Municipal Corporation Dadu, challenging the administrative powers of the Dadu animal market committee.
The commission decided to reserve its judgment on this matter. In addition to these cases, the commission was informed about a dispute directed by the Hyderabad bench of the Sindh High Court, involving Union Council Lakhi Meerwa and District Tando Muhammad Khan over tax collection authority. The commission pledged to resolve this matter swiftly, with a decision to be communicated to the court. Minister Saeed Ghani emphasized the importance of resolving these disputes in a transparent and lawful manner, without any external influence.
He reiterated that the Sindh Local Government Commission holds the legal authority to address such issues and protect the powers granted to municipal agencies under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013.
