In a speech delivered at a luncheon hosted by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab addressed industrialists and business leaders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to address the city’s pressing infrastructure issues. He stated that while some areas of Karachi receive 24/7 clean water, many residents still fail to pay their bills, causing significant losses in water supply revenue.
He also highlighted a new pilot project by the Sindh government aimed at treating and recycling 500 million gallons of sewage water. The mayor pointed out that solving the city’s infrastructure challenges requires cooperation between the provincial government and industrialists.
He praised the efforts of the government in improving Karachi’s development, noting that Rs. 103 billion have been allocated for developmental projects. He also announced that the first phase of the Malir Expressway would be inaugurated soon, and that work on projects such as the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the construction of the Baloch Colony Expressway, and Mehran Town’s infrastructure issues were moving forward.
Wahab also discussed the problematic situation with Karachi Water Board, mentioning that in 2007, 6,500 people were hired, many in non-technical roles, and the staff has now increased to 13,000. He said that due to legal battles, municipal taxes had been imposed on electricity bills, generating Rs. 228 million in one month for the city’s welfare. Referring to the current state of gas distribution in Sindh, Wahab noted that while 60 percent of the country’s gas is found in the province, it is being distributed to other regions.
He also mentioned that despite the significant funds allocated for projects in other cities like Narowal, Karachi has not received its fair share, urging that the city deserves at least Rs. 50 billion for its needs. KATI President Junaid Naqi, during his address, reflected on Karachi’s historical role in Pakistan’s industrial development, noting that the textile industry once contributed significantly to the economy.
He also highlighted the lack of sufficient funding allocated to Karachi by the federal government. Furthermore, the mayor acknowledged the ongoing issues faced by industries in Karachi, particularly with infrastructure, sewage, and water supply. He pointed out the significant contributions of the Korangi Industrial Area to the city’s tax revenue but stressed the need for better coordination between local authorities and industry leaders to resolve these issues.
Other speakers included senior officials like Masood Naqi, Zubair Chhaya, and several former presidents of KATI, who also addressed the need for improved infrastructure and environmental conditions in the city.
