Karachi: Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced on Thursday that the Sindh government will allocate Rs2.1 billion to address the pressing infrastructure issues in the Korangi Industrial Area (KIA). The announcement was made during a speech at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), where Wahab emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the government and industrialists to drive the city’s development.
During his address, Wahab pointed out that while many areas in Karachi enjoy a steady water supply, the financial strain caused by irregular utility bill payments continues to affect service delivery. He highlighted the provincial government’s efforts to improve water management, mentioning a pilot project aimed at recycling and treating 500 million gallons of sewage water.
Wahab also called for further discussions with industrialists to resolve issues related to the infrastructure cess. He outlined several key infrastructure projects, including the upcoming inauguration of the first phase of the Malir Expressway and the launch of the Yellow Line Bus Transit project, which will serve the Korangi and Landhi areas.
In addition, the Mayor assured the completion of the Baloch Colony Expressway within three months and emphasized the urgency of addressing ongoing issues in Mehran Town. He further revealed plans to expand the Jam Sadiq Bridge to eight lanes, with the project set for completion by December 2025.
Responding to criticism over the local government tax on electricity bills, Wahab defended the initiative, citing its success in generating Rs228 million in just one month. He assured that the revenue generated from the tax would be reinvested into the city’s infrastructure and welfare projects.
Wahab also raised concerns about the inequitable distribution of federal funds, questioning why Karachi, despite being a major contributor to national revenue, receives fewer development funds compared to smaller regions like Narowal.
KATI President Junaid Naqi, in his remarks, highlighted the historical and economic significance of Karachi’s industrial sector, which he described as the country’s textile hub. He pointed out that although the city contributed Rs1,882 billion in taxes this year, only Rs20 billion, or 4.3%, was allocated to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). Naqi also underscored the challenges faced by local industries, including deteriorating infrastructure, sewage problems, and water shortages exacerbated by the tanker mafia’s control over the water supply.
