KMC got no money for uplift projects in 11 months: mayor Waseem Akhtar

The Sindh government has not given “a single penny during the last eleven months for uplift projects in the city”, said Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar on Monday.

He demanded of the government to at least spend a portion of tax revenue collected by the provincial and federal governments in Karachi. The mayor was talking to a delegation of the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, led by its chairman Ateeq Mir, at his office.

“We understand the problems being faced by the traders in Karachi. We raise these issues at every forum,” he said, adding that the business environment in the metropolitan could not flourish unless these problems were solved.

The delegation asked the mayor to expedite the provision of alternate business places for traders who have been displaced in the anti-encroachments action. They requested the mayor to ensure cleaning of drains near the Civil Hospital Karachi, removal of encroachments and repairing of Robson Road near Jama Cloth Market.

The city mayor said traders were a major contributor in the national exchequer and their demands should be fulfilled on a priority basis. He said all efforts were being made to facilitate the traders. However, he added, the action against encroachments was under the directive of the Supreme Court as it had become essential due to the mistakes committed in the past.

“Roads are being widened and pavements cleared of encroachments to provide convenience to motorists and pedestrians,” Akhtar said. He urged the traders to cooperate with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) in works related to construction and repairing of roads and foot paths.

Ateeq Mir thanked the mayor for taking interest in resolution of problems being faced by the traders and issues pertaining to roads and sewage overflow in various areas, including Garden and Urdu Bazar.

He assured all support to the KMC in its action against encroachments. Deputy mayor Arshad Hasa, chairmen of different committees and department heads were also present on this occasion.