In a step toward enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening municipal service delivery, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Thursday inducted a new fleet of heavy vehicles into the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
The initiative aims to improve mobility and effectiveness in carrying out essential municipal functions while promoting the independent utilization of the KMC’s own resources. The procurement was financed through proceeds generated from the auction of obsolete vehicles, with an allocation of Rs110 million approved for the purchase of heavy-duty vehicles, including mount trucks, acquired from FAW Automobile Industries.
Moreover, a vehicle distribution ceremony was held at the KMC Head Office, where Mayor Wahab formally handed over the vehicles to the Engineering Department, Anti-Encroachment Department, Parks Department, and Veterinary Department.
Addressing the ceremony, Wahab said the KMC is incurring expenditures for the improvement of civic amenities from its own resources and budget. He said the KMC’s revenue has been increased through a positive strategy and that available resources are being utilized in an effective manner. He added that KMC now has sufficient resources to carry out development works simultaneously, from neighborhood streets to major infrastructure projects.
The mayor said that with the approval of the KMC Council, a decision was taken to auction unused and scrap items, as a result of which Rs227 million were generated. Using these funds, five new heavy vehicles were purchased. Two vehicles have been allocated to the E&M Department, while one vehicle each has been provided to the Anti-Encroachment, Parks, and Veterinary departments. He further stated that five more vehicles will soon be purchased for various departments, while the repair of five buses has also been completed.
Mayor Wahab said the new heavy vehicles will prove effective in field operations, accelerate the process of removing encroachments in the city, and improve work related to parks and urban beautification. These measures, he added, will significantly enhance the overall performance of KMC departments.
Speaking about development projects, the mayor said work is underway on Jahangir Road and the alternative road of Natha Khan Bridge, and that he himself will visit these projects. Work on the Bhains Colony flyover is also progressing rapidly, and he expressed hope that this long-standing issue of the people of Malir will be resolved within the next few weeks. He announced that a new flyover will be constructed on the route from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to the airport, adding that the target is to complete ongoing development works within 100 days.
Murtaza Wahab said that this year is the year of development projects and that the KMC is going to spend Rs46 billion across the city. Development activities are underway in every district and every area of the city, and the progress is clearly visible. He added that Rs600 million will be spent in the Old City area, benefiting residents of Jodia Bazaar, Lee Market, and Napier Road, while the ongoing works on Shahrah-e-Liaquat will also be completed soon.
He further said that the Korangi Causeway bridge will soon be opened for citizens, while the EBM Causeway has been completed by the representatives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He added that the Baloch Colony Expressway, Murghi Khana Flyover, and other projects will also soon be presented to the citizens as gifts. It was also announced that different phases of the Red Line project will be opened for the public in March and July.
Responding to a question, the mayor said the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is visiting Karachi and will be provided full security and protocol; however, the city cannot be allowed to be held hostage. He said there is no objection to political activities, but traffic in the city should not be paralyzed.
Talking about the issue of stray dogs, the mayor said that if neutering is carried out, one group becomes unhappy, and if culling is done, another group objects; however, he is a supporter of animal rights and a humane and balanced solution to the issue will be adopted. He said that if intentions are clear, the destination becomes easier. Resources will be spent on the improvement of the city, and the coming time will be better for the citizens of Karachi.
