KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday unveiled a Rs160.136 million development project for the construction of inner streets in District Central, marking his third major initiative in a week and declaring an end to what he called the city’s “era of extortion and mismanagement.”
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony in Union Councils 7 and 8, the Mayor said that the tough decisions taken over the past two years were beginning to show results. “Some hypocrites do not like that hope is returning to the city, but with public support, we will continue this journey,” Wahab remarked.
The project involves the use of 50,000 cubic feet of construction material and carpeting of 165,000 square feet of road area. The event was attended by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, city council members, and district officials.
Mayor Wahab stressed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was carrying out development projects across Karachi without discrimination, fulfilling its commitment to improve civic infrastructure. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regularly monitors progress on citizen welfare initiatives.
He highlighted that Rs28 billion had been allocated this year for Karachi’s development, including work on 106 roads and a gradual shift to solar energy for streets and markets to lower power costs and ease the energy burden.
Recalling his recent visit to Bolton Market, Jodia Bazaar, and Bottle Gali, Wahab said residents told him that significant work was taking place there for the first time in four decades. He reiterated his stance on removing encroachments, noting, “roads and footpaths are meant for the public, not for occupation.”
On the issue of parking fees, Wahab clarified that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was not collecting them, as the responsibility lay with town administrations. “With public cooperation, I will eliminate paid parking from the city,” he pledged, announcing that the Hyderi Parking Area would be restored.
He further revealed that a new road is being constructed to connect the Lyari Expressway along Gujjar Nullah. “I do not claim the city has been completely transformed, but our journey of public service continues,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to making Karachi a city of lights and progress.
