Karachi mayor unveils Rs 281m road rehabilitation scheme in central district

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that the people of Karachi were shown beautiful dreams, grand promises, and tall claims, but none were fulfilled. To avoid criticism over unkept promises, those individuals left Karachi for Lahore and now visit the city once a week merely to stage protests on its roads, adding to the public’s inconvenience. Those in whom Karachiites placed their hopes failed to resolve their problems, whereas the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always followed a manifesto of serving the public without discrimination. He said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had promised that representatives of the party in every district, town, and neighborhood of Karachi would treat public authority as a sacred trust and utilize it for the welfare of the people. “My presence here today along with the KMC engineering team is proof that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), in accordance with the PPP’s manifesto, is practically working for the city’s development,” the Mayor stated. “We do not see whether an area belongs to the PPP, MQM, Jamaat-e-Islami, or Muslim League; for us, every area belongs to Karachi’s people, and serving them is our mission,” he added. The Mayor said that KMC has launched a citywide service drive, under which 106 major roads, playgrounds, and parks are being restored and rehabilitated. “We understand that when an ordinary citizen leaves home, a smooth road, a clean environment, and access to basic facilities are his right – and the PPP will ensure this right reaches every citizen,” he emphasized. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held on Thursday to lay the foundation stone of various development schemes in different UCs of District Central. KMC Deputy Parliamentary Leader in City Council Dil Muhammad, PPP Organization President Sardar Khan, General Secretary Shehzad Majeed, Asad Hanif, elected representatives, and others were present on the occasion. Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that construction and rehabilitation work is underway on internal roads of UC-7 and UC-8 in District Central, while carpeting and paver block work continues rapidly in New Karachi Phase-II, particularly in UC-03, UC-9B, and sectors 11-E and 11-D. The Mayor informed that these projects will cost over Rs 281 million. “Fifty thousand cubic feet of sub-base course has been completed, and over 350,000 cubic feet of aggregate base course will be laid. In addition, 330,000 square feet of carpet work and more than 350,000 square feet of paver blocks will be installed,” he said. He added that the rehabilitation of these roads will significantly improve commuting convenience for citizens and enhance traffic flow. “These works are part of my vision for the complete reconstruction of Karachi’s infrastructure – upgrading roads, parks, and civic facilities according to modern standards,” the Mayor noted. He said that in the New Karachi Kala School area, 250,000 square feet of paver blocks will be laid to ensure better travel facilities for citizens. “Some people engage in hypocrisy every day but do not practically do a single rupee’s worth of work. Town administrations collected money for road-cutting fees but failed to carry out construction,” he said. He pointed out that in Hyderi, near Madni Mall on Hashim Raza Road, road conditions are being improved, while in North Nazimabad – a town known as the ‘Town of Angels’ – Rs 2.5 billion were collected under road-cutting fees, yet ground realities tell a different story. “KMC is now constructing roads and stormwater drains in North Nazimabad under the PPP administration. Those who deceived the public will be exposed before the people,” he asserted. “Relief will be provided to citizens in every area of Karachi through practical work, and the politics of service will continue to strengthen the city’s infrastructure on modern lines,” he vowed. Mayor Wahab announced that Rs 28 billion will be spent this year on improving Karachi’s infrastructure, and development work is now visible in every street and neighborhood. “Karachi belongs to all its citizens, beyond distinctions of race or ethnicity. We must end the politics of prejudice and criticism and instead unite hearts,” he said. “Wherever Murtaza Wahab goes, work surely follows,” he remarked, recalling an elderly citizen’s comment that in the past, people only came to cut ribbons, but “I will come and ensure the work is completed.” He said that the people of Karachi do not want symbolic gestures – they want real, practical service. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari personally takes interest in Karachi’s development projects and asks what steps are being taken for the city’s residents. “If work is not being done in any area, citizens can directly question the party representatives,” he added. Mayor Wahab vowed that the journey of progress and improvement will continue with the same passion. “KMC, with a spirit of public service, is committed to making Karachi cleaner, better, and more modern,” he said. He informed that steps are being taken to improve Manghopir Road, while discussions are underway with the federal government regarding the construction of flyovers at Power House and 4-K Chowrangi. “Public representatives have taken an oath to resolve people’s problems, so everyone must focus on practical work,” he said. “I myself studied in a yellow school and now sit in the yellow-stone building,” the Mayor remarked humorously, adding, “Are these roads being built with Al-Khidmat’s money?” He said that when encroachments on stormwater drains are removed, some people rush to the courts. “Work is also underway on an alternate route at Natha Khan Bridge, while the E-Challan system is being enhanced by the traffic police. Strict electronic challans will also be issued against heavy vehicles and dumpers, not just motorcyclists or car owners, to improve traffic discipline,” he concluded.