Industrial zone associations in Karachi have begun implementing development projects under a Rs9.281 billion infrastructure package announced by the Sindh government to rehabilitate and upgrade the city’s major industrial areas, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said on Thursday.
The announcement came during the sixth meeting of the oversight committee, chaired by Wahab at the Commissioner Office, to review progress on the development package and monitor its implementation by industrial zone development management companies.
Representatives of industrial associations and development management companies told the meeting that work orders had already been issued for several projects, while procurement for the remaining schemes was in its final stages and work was expected to begin within the next few days.
Wahab said the package reflected the Sindh government’s commitment to improving Karachi’s industrial infrastructure and bringing it closer to international standards. He said that for the first time, the entire development grant had been transferred directly to industrial zone associations, allowing them to execute projects according to their own priorities without lengthy government procedures.
“The responsibility now lies with the industrial associations to complete these projects on a fast-track basis and deliver quality infrastructure within the stipulated timeframe,” Wahab said.
He said the development package was launched under the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to address longstanding infrastructure deficiencies in Karachi’s industrial areas.
According to Wahab, the industrial associations themselves identified and prioritised roads, drainage systems and other civic infrastructure requiring rehabilitation before the Sindh government allocated and transferred the funds.
He said the Sindh government and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation would continue supporting the city’s industrial sector, describing Karachi as Pakistan’s financial and economic hub.
The mayor added that the oversight committee would continue meeting regularly to review progress, resolve implementation issues and ensure timely completion of the projects. Under the approved allocations, the North Karachi Industrial Development Company received Rs721 million, the Federal B Area Trade and Industries (FiTE) Development Company Rs860 million, the Landhi Industrial Area (LITE) Rs2 billion, the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Rs2 billion, Bin Qasim Industrial Park Rs1 billion, the Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) Rs2 billion and the SITE Super Highway Industrial Area Rs700 million.
