Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced significant financial progress for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), as it received a check for 228 million rupees from municipal utility charges collected through K-Electric bills in just one month. KMC is targeting an annual collection of 3 billion rupees from municipal taxes, which will be allocated for development projects across the city and to pay pensions and dues to municipal employees. Receipt and expenditure details will be made available online.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, during a press conference at KMC’s head office, Mayor Wahab, alongside Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, addressed the opposition to collecting municipal taxes through K-Electric. He questioned the accountability for the 10 billion rupees in losses incurred by KMC over the past three years due to negative propaganda. Mayor Wahab emphasized that tough decisions were necessary for the city’s greater good.
The mayor also announced the initiation of the new District Annual Development Program (ADP), with development work set to begin within a month. Monthly funds for union council (UC) chairmen have been increased from 500,000 to 1.2 million rupees, enabling them to tackle issues like road repairs, sewage, and streetlights.
Mayor Wahab and Deputy Mayor Murad have been in office for a year and four months, focusing on stabilizing KMC. The alignment of Karachi’s administration and the provincial government under the same party has facilitated more efficient work, as highlighted by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during local government elections in Sindh.
The increase in the OZT (Octroi and Zila Tax) share for each UC from 500,000 to 1.2 million rupees demonstrates the commitment to supporting daily operations irrespective of political affiliations. The provincial government allocated 4.5 billion rupees to KMC from the development program last year, with an additional 10 billion rupees expected this year for Karachi’s development.
KMC’s improved revenue generation, especially from municipal taxes, contrasts with the previous administration’s collection. The decision to outsource tax collection through K-Electric and a successful court case in July resulted in a more effective system.
Mayor Wahab highlighted ongoing KMC development projects, including work on Sarfaraz Rafiqui Shaheed Hospital, Jinnah Bridge, and M.A. Jinnah Road, with completion expected by December 31. The provincial government has allocated 1.5 billion rupees for road repairs after recent rains, supplemented by KMC’s 500 million rupees.
Attention to quality construction materials is prioritized, with KMC managing projects like Kashmir Road and Malir River Bridge. Work is ongoing in New Karachi, Orangi Town, and Lasi Goth, utilizing all resources for the city’s welfare. Despite unchanged laws and powers, the administration’s approach reflects a visible transformation.
The municipal tax revenue is dedicated solely to city development and will not be misappropriated. KMC is working towards full digitization of its departments, especially land, estate, and katchi abadies, aiming for a more efficient and faster developmental process.