Karachi: Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah Tuesday said the issues relating to the collection of the Milching Animal Tax between towns would be resolved at the earliest so that the tax collection mechanism could function more effectively and relevant municipal institutions could utilize their resources efficiently.
The Sindh LG Minister said this while chaired an important meeting of the Provincial Local Government Commission, which reviewed issues concerning various town administrations, provision of municipal services, tax collection disputes and measures to further strengthen the local government system.
He made it clear that disputes between towns would be decided strictly on merit, in accordance with the law and with complete transparency, adding that no injustice would be allowed to any party.
The meeting discussed matters relating to different towns in detail, while stance and viewpoints of the parties concerned were also heard regarding disputes over tax collection between the towns.
Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Hussain Shah said resolving issues faced by town administrations and ensuring the provision of basic municipal facilities to citizens at their doorstep was among the government’s top priorities.
He said effective coordination between local government institutions and elected representatives was essential to improve municipal services and address public grievances promptly.
The minister stressed that devolution of powers to the grassroots level was essential for ensuring that public services reached citizens at their doorstep.
He said empowered local governments could play a key role in resolving civic issues quickly and improving the delivery of municipal services.
The minister said there was no room for unnecessary delays in matters directly related to public interest and that resolving the issues of town administrations would help improve municipal service delivery as well as the overall performance of local governments.
The meeting also emphasized the need for town administrations to utilize available resources effectively and improve sanitation, drainage, tax collection and other essential civic services.
It was further agreed that disputes between the towns should be resolved through dialogue and the prescribed legal mechanism.
Nasir Hussain Shah reiterated that the Sindh government was taking measures to strengthen the local government system and ensure prompt resolution of public issues, while all disputes would be settled in accordance with merit, law and principles of transparency.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Local Government Wasim Shamshed, Commission Chairman Rahim Soomro, Member Sindh Assembly Imdad Pitafi and chairmen of various towns.
