Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance municipal facilities in Karachi, addressing key issues such as water, sewerage, electricity, and gas. He highlighted the coordinated efforts of all civic bodies to provide relief to citizens promptly, recognizing Karachi’s pivotal role as the economic hub of the country and its international significance.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Mayor Wahab shared these insights during an informal discussion with a delegation from the Balochistan Civil Services Academy’s mid-career management course. He informed the delegation about the local government system and various challenges faced by the city. The mayor pointed out that different areas of Karachi are managed by various agencies, including cantonment boards, which also control some civil areas.
He elaborated on the city’s efforts to address sewage and rainwater drainage issues, noting that while the KMC manages 45 drains, town administrations control over 500. The mayor acknowledged the natural challenges, such as water stagnation after rains and issues with underpasses due to water leakage, exacerbated by the city’s tidal patterns. He also mentioned the arrears of pension and gratuity owed to retired employees for seven years and stated that measures are being taken to resolve this issue.
Mayor Wahab further discussed initiatives to combat climate change and pollution in Karachi, including tree plantation drives. He specifically mentioned the removal of chronocarpus trees from Shara e Faisal and other highways as part of these environmental efforts.
The visiting delegation received a comprehensive briefing on KMC’s administrative structure, budget, various departments, and the Sindh Local Councils Act. Municipal Commissioner Syed Afzal Zaidi answered questions from the delegates and discussed the services provided to citizens by the Municipality of Karachi. He emphasized the importance of understanding local government systems for officers who will assume critical civic responsibilities in the future, highlighting the direct contact and primary role of local bodies in addressing grassroots problems. The delegation also toured the KMC building and City Council Hall, where they received additional information about the city’s governance and administration.