Wahab demands Rs100bn as development grant for Karachi

Ahead of the announcement of the federal budget on Tuesday, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said the city deserves its fair share in resources. While many speak of empowering local governments, genuine support for the city remains lacking, he added.

Wahab urged the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and representatives of all parties to play their role in Parliament, demanding that Rs100 billion be allocated as development grant for the city. During a press conference at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation head office, he said the city administration disposed of 146,801 tonnes of offal and garbage at the Jam Chakro, Gond Pass and Sharafi Goth landfill sites.

He lauded the sanitation and administrative teams for their extensive efforts during Eidul Azha, noting that besides him, the deputy mayor, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) managing director, and elected representatives remained on the ground throughout the operation.

He said that 96 collection points were set up across 25 towns in seven districts. Residents were provided access to a 24-hour helpline (1128), through which 3,699 complaints were received, 97.4 per cent of which were resolved, he added. “I toured the city to monitor the situation and take prompt action, regardless of criticism. There’s no other example in the world where such a vast quantity of waste has been cleared in just three days.”

He welcomed any oversight by federal and provincial representatives. “I have no objection if they appoint monitors for transparency.” He invited Jamaat-e-Islami chief Monem Zafar and federal minister Mustafa Kamal to work with him for the city rather than offering criticism through press conferences.

“Work is happening in Karachi, but we’re too busy pulling each other down. Stop portraying the city in a negative light; it does not help Karachi.” Calling for an end to divisive politics, he said: “This time there was no stench — only prejudice. Earlier, we had China-cutting. Now we have road-cutting.” He announced that drain cleaning would begin on June 20.

The mayor said that from June 7 to June 9, 95,164 tonnes of offal and 51,637 tonnes of garbage were removed. “The operation is ongoing. Small vehicles collected waste from neighbourhoods, transported it to the 96 designated collection points, from where it was moved to landfill sites using dumpers.”

He said the operation was a collaborative effort between town chairpersons and SSWMB staff. “After the removal of waste, lime was sprayed, fumigation was carried out, and main roads were washed with rose water. Sanitation staff also ensured that landfill site roads remained clean throughout the Eid holidays.” He highlighted coordinated action against the “Charbi mafia” in collaboration with the city police chief, leading to the registration of 144 FIRs and the arrest of 348 people. “When something bad happens, the mayor is blamed. When something good happens, others take credit.”

He said complaints from areas such as Jehangir Road and Tariq Road were promptly addressed. Compared to the poor conditions witnessed last year on Jamaluddin Afghan Road, this year’s efforts in District Central showed marked improvement, he added. He said some issues were reported from New Karachi, but those responsible, including staff and contractors, were reprimanded. Conditions in Lyari, which are typically problematic, also saw significant improvement this year, he added.

He urged sanitation workers to continue working diligently and learn from previous shortcomings. “We’ll respond to criticism through our work. Some people want us divided.” He also underlined the challenge of the city’s water sources being located over 125km away. “We’ve passed the ball into the federal government’s court,” he said, urging the prime minister to take action. “If he does, we’ll hold a joint press conference.”

He expressed hope that Kamal would raise the city’s case before the federal cabinet, and that the Pakistan Peoples Party would support the city in the National Assembly. Wahab confirmed that tenders for drain cleaning in all seven districts have been floated, and that funding for it would come from the provincial government. He also mentioned that small-scale winching operations are necessary, and that the cantonment boards utilised garbage transfer station facilities during Eid.

He noted that fire brigade teams were active during Eid, and revealed that development schemes worth Rs37 billion have been submitted to the Sindh government for inclusion in the upcoming budget. “Lala Rahim is my brother; we should work together,” he said. He also warned that government officials are not legally allowed to participate in propaganda in the media or on social media.

“I’m not interested in pointless political debates. There was a time when the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz held just two seats in Karachi.” He said that billions of rupees has been allocated for road-cutting projects, which have entered towns. “I hope town chairpersons use these funds to build roads.”