Sir: The present Sindh government distributed the posts of Taluka Municipal officer (TMO) among its favourites in the past. The purpose was to satisfy the stooges and siphon the budget to build personal assets for local party leaders and distribute lower posts among the local party rank and file. The previous TMO, in my home town Johi, had appointed nearly 300 staff members including sweepers. Thus, a large chunk of the budget was devoured in salaries and rest was allegedly pocketed by local party leaders. Resultantly, Johi Town with a population of 30,000 remains deprived of drinking water facilities and people continue to pay for water to the tanker mafia. The drainage system is in shambles and there are heaps of garbage everywhere as most of the staff draw salaries without performing their duties and only a few poor sweepers along with some privately hired men clean the streets. Quite recently, a good person assumed the TMO’s position in Johi. Due to his hard work, the town has turned clean. There is no more wall chalking and garbage is being dumped at suitable locations outside the town. The rehabilitation of the only park is underway. The TMO office staff is working diligently. But those who previously drew salaries at home are not happy. Some private TV reporters were prodded to report against the honest and hardworking TMO. They are seen asking the people to say that the present TMO staff members are not performing their duties honestly. Impartial people refuted this but the few with vested interests recorded negative comments. Hopefully, the high ups in the ruling party will tolerate this honest official. GULSHER PANHWERJohi