KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has unveiled a major reconstruction plan, pledging to restore 106 roads battered by recent rains under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) control within the next 60 days.
Announcing the initiative in Korangi district, the mayor said the corporation had allocated Rs28 billion for city development in the current year’s budget, with the overall value of ongoing projects reaching Rs400bn. He took aim at political opponents, accusing them of “spreading despair” instead of helping improve conditions in the metropolis.
“Some people wake up at 11 in the morning only to hold press conferences and mislead the public. We, on the other hand, are working day and night for Karachi,” Wahab remarked. He added: “We are not in Islamabad; we are here among the people, serving them directly.”
Highlighting other major schemes, the mayor pointed to the Rs70bn investment in the K-IV water project, as well as the construction of new bridges at Murghi Khana, Shah Faisal Colony and Cattle Colony. Work on the ICI Bridge, he confirmed, would also begin soon.
Defending the administration’s decision to install expensive paver blocks in certain areas, Wahab described them as a long-term solution to drainage issues. “Money is not the problem; the problem is intention. Words alone do not build cities practical action does,” he said.
The mayor stressed that repair work was already underway across multiple districts, with KMC teams working even in the early hours. “When people wake up in the morning, they will see newly built roads. Even at 2am, our staff is out on site. Wherever work is being carried out, I personally visit to inspect it,” he noted.
Later in the day, Wahab visited Empress Market in Saddar to review progress on Shahrah-e-Liaquat’s reconstruction. He said roadworks had already begun on Empress Market, Preedy Street and Sharea Faisal, while new roads were completed in Malir Kala Board and Khokhrapar.
The mayor urged citizens to play their part by reporting any negligence they observe. “We are answerable to the people of Karachi, and there will be no compromise on transparency,” he asserted.
He also revealed that KMC was undertaking projects beyond its direct jurisdiction, including work in Model Colony Town, while also preparing to launch new sewerage schemes. At the same time, funds were being allocated to major health institutions Indus Hospital, SIUT and NICVD to ensure quality medical care for residents.
Expressing pride in his identity, Wahab said: “I am proud to be a Mohajir. The people of Karachi are my own people. We should avoid negative politics and work together for this city’s development.”
Officials from the KMC Engineering Department provided the mayor with a detailed briefing on the scope and progress of the restoration works, assuring that all projects were moving on schedule.
