Managing Karachi
Persistent mismanagement and negligence has long been the order of the day in Karachi. The city has been crippled due to serious administrative issues that have degraded the living standard of residents. The appointment of a sincere, hard-working and able administrator for a city that hosts almost 20 million citizens is absolutely crucial for improving socio-economic and living conditions.
Lots of hope has been placed on the newly-appointed Karachi administrator, Dr Saif-ur-Rehman, who is nominated by MQM-P. Rehman was serving as the principle secretary to Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. Coming from a bureaucratic background, he must put his administrative knowledge to good use in trying to fix a broken, dilapidated city. His first day in office was a rather happening one and shows he means business. Not only has he stopped KMC from collecting parking tickets until a new contract is in place, but he has also directed KMC employees to stop running contracts in the Karachi Zoo and Safari Park. He also seems well aware of transport woes and has identified 28 major roads that need immediate repair. Then there is also the massive issue of proper collection and disposal of municipal waste and garbage. Before incorporating innovative ideas to use waste, a basic underlying system needs to be set up to replace the haphazardness currently in place. Previous administrators have not only failed at regulating and developing the most important city in the country but, to make matters worse, have left behind a toxic culture and corrupt system.
The issue of lack of funds may be a factor but funds are not required to make certain important decisions. The new administrator must therefore ensure transparency and proper allocation of budget. Strengthening and empowering civic institutions is also a cumbersome task but can only happen after resilient systems are in place. The fact is that development in Karachi will benefit the entire nation, but Karachiites must be kept as top-most priority. We hope that the new administrator can create a solid foundation for a positive way forward.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 11th, 2022.
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