Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Orangi Road project in District West, costing Rs 182 million.
The Mayor criticized political parties for causing severe public disruption through traffic jams and questioned the billions of rupees collected for road repairs that remain unspent, while describing his administration as focused on delivering results rather than mere talk.
The Mayor made these remarks while laying the foundation stone for a significant road improvement and rehabilitation project in District West, a scheme valued at over Rs 182 million. The project targets the busiest route in Orangi Town, from Bab-e-Khyber to Sector 4, aiming to resolve long-standing public issues and provide better travel facilities for millions of daily commuters.
The comprehensive project includes the reconstruction of a 1378-meter-long and 15.4-meter-wide road using asphalt and aggregate base course. The project design also incorporates a modern drainage system to address persistent water drainage issues in the densely populated area.
Addressing the ceremony, Barrister Wahab emphasized that his presence was the fulfillment of a promise, with practical work commencing immediately. He stated that this road had been in extremely poor condition for a long time and directed the KMC’s engineering department to complete the project within a strict timeframe of 60 to 90 days, urging them to work day and night.
He affirmed that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), under the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is continuously implementing public welfare projects without any prejudice. The Mayor declared this year as the “year of completion of development works,” and announced that Rs 46 billion would be spent on infrastructure schemes in all districts of the city without discrimination.
The Mayor said, “The law is the same, the powers are the same, only the personalities have changed,” adding, “It is not a kite, a scale, or a bat, but a servant of God has come who is fulfilling the promises made to the people of Karachi.”
The ceremony was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh Ali Ahmed Jan, Pakistan Peoples Party Karachi General Secretary Rauf Nagori, and other local political leaders and KMC officials.
Responding to media questions, the Mayor contrasted his administration’s approach with that of others who “only talk and hold press conferences.” He specifically pointed out the dilapidated condition of roads in Nazimabad, New Karachi, and North Karachi, despite the collection of substantial sums from road cutting fees, which he stressed are for restoration, not for any political party.
Referring to recent traffic blockades, he urged resolving matters through mutual understanding and within legal boundaries. He concluded by saying, “We should solve public problems with our actions, not add to them with such activities,” and reiterated KMC’s commitment to ensuring peace, order, and tolerance in the city.