KARACHI: Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Thursday announced an allocation of Rs 2.1 billion to tackle infrastructure problems in the Korangi Industrial Area (KIA). The News Reported
Addressing the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Wahab emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and industrialists to drive growth in Karachi.
He pointed out that while many parts of the city benefit from uninterrupted water supply, the irregularity of the bill is having a negative financial impact on the utility services.
He highlighted the Sindh government’s efforts to improve water management through a pilot project that aims to treat and recycle 500 million gallons of sewage water.
He also called for discussions with industrialists to resolve issues related to infrastructure cess.
During his speech, Wahab outlined key ongoing development projects, including the upcoming inauguration of the first phase of the Malir Expressway and the launch of the Yellow Line bus transit project for Korangi and Landhi.
He promised to complete the Baloch Colony Expressway within three months and insisted on solving the problems of Mehran Town immediately.
Wahab further disclosed that the work of widening the Jam Sadiq Bridge to eight lanes is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Responding to criticism of the local government tax on electricity bills, Wahab defended the move, noting its success in earning Rs 228 million in just one month.
He assured that the revenue would be reinvested in the city’s welfare and infrastructure.
Highlighting the disparity in federal allocation, he questioned why Karachi, which contributes significantly to the country’s revenue, receives insufficient development funds compared to smaller areas like Narowal.
KATI President Junaid Naqi spoke about the historical and economic importance of the city’s industrial sector, citing its role as the textile hub of Pakistan.
Despite disbursing Rs1,882 billion in taxes this year, Naqi lamented that only Rs20 billion, or 4.3 percent, was allocated to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
He also pointed out the challenges faced by local industries, including dilapidated infrastructure, sewage problems and water scarcity, exacerbated by dependence on the tanker mafia.