Given the rise in mosquito-borne illnesses following major flash floods throughout the country, the Sindh government has allotted Rs480 million to 24 districts of the province for the procurement of anti-mosquito spraying equipment.
In contrast, financing has not been provided to Karachi, the capital of the province, despite the city’s alarming rise in dengue illnesses.
The six districts of Karachi have not received the funding necessary to purchase spray equipment, according to sources. Only Rs. 20 million has been given to DMC Malir for the acquisition of machinery.
Murtaza Wahab, a spokeswoman for the Sindh government, said that Karachi already has a sizable collection of fumigation devices. Anti-mosquito spray is applied daily to the city’s 30 union councils.