KMC has recovered Rs240m from PSO, says mayor

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has recovered Rs240 million from Pakistan State Oil and the remaining Rs260 million will soon arrive in the KMC’s kitty.

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab shared this while inaugurating the 4th Merigold Festival at Bagh-e-Jinnah at the Frere Hall Lawn, organised by the KMC on Friday. The festival will continue until Sunday.

During the opening ceremony, Wahab said that unfortunately Karachi is known for other things instead of flowers. “Citizens should help change this perception, as healthy and constructive activities are ongoing to highlight the positive image of the city,” he said, adding that the KMC would continue to work together with the Sindh government for the betterment of this city.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said, is the only major political leader who is active in the political field, he said. “On February 8 (election day) everything will be cleared, and citizens will decide who has worked and who has not. After that only representatives of the Pakistan Peoples Party will be seen everywhere.”

He said that they have a strong bond with the people and would always have this. More than 60,000 flowers have been planted in the Marigold Festival for the citizens. “I would like to congratulate the Parks Department on organizing the three-day festival.”

Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, deputy parliamentary leader of PPP in City Council Dil Muhammad, Director General Parks Junaidullah Khan and other officers were also present. Mayor Wahab, along with the deputy mayor, inaugurated the Marigold Festival and distributed certificates of appreciation to the staff of the Parks Department.

Wahab said that the Frere Garden is an asset to the citizens, the work done by the Parks Department in the Frere Garden is appreciable, and the festival would continue for three days and the entry of the citizens would be free. “Now, the critics will say that the mayor is planting flowers and not working for people. These people can only criticise us, even though we are busy day and night in solving civic problems. The KMC with the help of the provincial government is working in the city in a dynamic manner,” he said.

“We are working day and night thinking that we should fulfil the promises made to the people. I wish that the whole city looks green and beautiful. This kind of festival gives a soft image of the city. Today, the food festival is happening at the Beach View Park managed by the KMC, while tomorrow there is a Qawwali night for citizens here at the Frere Garden. Our city is very good, its positives need to be brought out,” he said.

He said that the revenue situation in the KMC has also improved. The land department is also working on the recovery of dues, and the work will continue in this way.

Before their arrival, he said, the income of the KMC was Rs580 million and now the income of KMC has increased to more than one billion.

He said the Sindh government gave three snorkels to this city on Thursday, which had been added to the fire brigade fleet and would be used all over the city to put out fires. Buses have also come to solve the problems of public transport, the fire brigade department is quite active, their annual performance has been good, the positive change is that now the complaints received on 1122 are being processed without delay, he added.

He said t seasonal flowers and plants would also be planted on the roadsides and open spaces in Karachi, new animals are going to be introduced in the Safari Park where already projects like Zipline and Dino Park have also been completed.

“Horse riding will also be started in Safari Park soon for citizens. Butterfly Garden will be activated in Karachi Zoo in three months, and will continue to serve the people for the sake of the future of our children,” he announced.

The election symbol “bat”, he said, should not be used for any kind of vandalism. A level playing field should be available for every political party, but damage to government property and spreading chaos is not allowed, he said.