Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab today called on political opponents to accelerate development spending to alleviate public hardship, while holding the federal government responsible for resolving persistent gas and electricity shortages across the metropolis.
The mayor’s remarks came during the formal inauguration ceremony for a major construction and rehabilitation project in Sachal Goth, Gulzar-e-Hijri, District East, an initiative undertaken in cooperation with the Karachi Development Authority.
He specified that Jamaat-e-Islami leader Naeem-ur-Rehman should direct the party’s town chairmen to immediately utilise the billions of rupees allocated for road cutting and other development schemes to reduce public inconvenience.
The newly launched project in Sachal Goth, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 5.5 billion, includes the construction of a 2,800-foot-long dual carriageway, 47 paver block streets, and the installation of 72 modern LED streetlights to improve illumination and safety.
Furthermore, the undertaking involves substantial upgrades to the area”s infrastructure, including improvements to the sewerage system and the installation of a new water supply line to enhance civic facilities for local inhabitants.
Speaking to media representatives, Wahab stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership is aware of the difficulties citizens face and that these service initiatives are a step toward fulfilling public promises. He noted that the current year would be one of significant development, with projects being completed rapidly across the city.
The Mayor acknowledged that residents of District East are facing difficulties due to the ongoing BRT Red Line project, but assured that work is progressing quickly, with various sections expected to be completed between March and July.
He also announced that work on the Baloch Colony Expressway, from Qayyumabad to Shahrah-e-Millat Road, will be finished this week. Additionally, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is scheduled to inaugurate the Malir Bhains Colony flyover on Sunday.
Wahab revealed that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will spend Rs 46 billion on city-wide development this year. A further Rs13 billion has been allocated specifically for improving internal streets within the towns.
He emphasised that the development process must be shielded from “negative politics” and obstacles for the city to progress. He called on all political parties to work within their respective domains for public service, stating that only mutual cooperation can put the city on the path to development.