Wahab demands Rs25bn from federal govt for Karachi’s development

If the federal government provides Rs250 million to each member of the National Assembly, then Karachi should be allocated Rs25 billion to ensure substantial development in the city, said Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday,

He urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui to strengthen the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), stating that the Article 40-A of the Constitution was for the people of Pakistan. He stressed that Karachi’s development could only be achieved through municipal institutions, not any other entity.

Speaking at a ceremony at the KMC's central office on Sunday, Wahab announced that each of Karachi's 246 Union Committee (UCs) would receive 50 streetlights to illuminate their respective areas during Ramazan, with a total of 12,300 streetlights being distributed.

The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Pakistan Peoples Party City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, parliamentary leaders of various political parties, and several UC chairmen.

Wahab called for collective efforts to improve Karachi’s development, highlighting that a new era of political tolerance had begun. He urged all stakeholders to set aside political differences and collaborate for Karachi’s progress.

Reflecting on the past 1.5 years of his tenure, he noted that difficult decisions had started to yield results with the KMC’s revenue improving. The corporation now received Rs220 million monthly under the municipal utility charges and taxes (MUCT), improving its financial situation. Previously, each UC received Rs. 500,000 per month, but this had now been increased to Rs1.2 million, with further increments planned, he stated.

The mayor also pointed out that towns generated more tax revenue than cities did. Karachi's situation would improve if the KMC, towns and UCs worked together, he said, adding that a new canal was being constructed from the Hub Dam for Rs12.8 billion to enhance the city’s water supply.

To improve water quality, 29 chlorination centres had been planned, of which 10 were complete and would soon be inaugurated, he explained, adding that the Keamari, Gutter Baghicha and Haroonabad sewage treatment plants were also set to be inaugurated this year.

In response to a question, Wahab mentioned that during former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure, the Murghi Khana Bridge was built. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government was now expanding it into an eight-lane bridge.

He said that the foundation stone for a cricket and football ground was laid in Mauripur the previous day.

He also discussed issues such as the recent theft of streetlights from the Nazimabad underpass, instructing the Central SSP to take action and hold the SHOs concerned accountable. He called for a crackdown on scrap market dealers involved in selling stolen goods.

Wahab announced that development projects worth Rs5 to Rs6 billion would be completed this year. He highlighted that an underpass dedicated to the memory of Zia Mohyeddin had been constructed but was now plagued by encroachments.

Additionally, he reported that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation’s revenue had exceeded Rs2 billion, and work on the K-IV water project was progressing. Strict action would be taken against those involved in wall chalking, and the UC chairmen had been instructed to eliminate it, he said, adding that paintings were being installed at the KMC Building, and the portraits of all former mayors would be displayed in the Council Hall.

Wahab also mentioned improvements in the condition of the Mewa Shah Cemetery.

He said Karachi was regaining its lights and colours, and the city was experiencing peace and tranquillity during Ramazan. Young people were actively participating in religious activities and competitive sports matches, he remarked, adding that the journey of progress and development would continue.