Murad pushes for full funding of K-IV project

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has raised serious concerns over the insufficient federal funding allocated to the Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme Four, commonly known as the K-IV project.

With only Rs4 billion released out of the Rs16 billion earmarked, Shah stresses the critical need for additional funding to prevent further delays in the project's progress.

In a press statement following the submission of nomination papers for PPP Senate Candidates Jam Saifullah Dharejo and Aslam Abro, along with their covering candidates Waqar Mehdi and Aajiz Dhamraha, at the Election Commission of Pakistan, Sindh, Shah also mentioned his plans to approach Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the funding issue.

The urgency arises in the wake of the vacancies left by the resignations of PPP Senators Nisar Khuhro and Jam Mehtab Dahar, who assumed positions in the provincial assembly following the general elections held on Feb 8.

The chief minister expressed confidence in the successful election of the PPP candidates as Senators from the provincial assembly, citing a comfortable margin of votes in their favour.

Read: Murad affirms dogged resolve to control crime

He commended the relentless efforts of Mayor Murtaza Wahab in driving Karachi's development agenda forward, asserting the mayor's authority in facilitating progress within the city.

The chief minister reiterated the provincial government's dedication to implementing the 10-point election manifesto outlined by his party's Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.

He also weighed in on the impending oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the paramount importance of bolstering the national economy and alleviating the burden of rising prices on the populace.

Expressing concern over the escalating cost of living, Shah emphasised the imperative of withdrawing subsidies enjoyed by the elite to effectively address the issue. He reaffirmed his intention to correspond with the prime minister, urging for expedited release of funds to ensure the timely completion of the K-IV project, which stands as a lifeline for Karachi's need of water supply.

Responding to a question regarding recent protests by the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Shah questioned the rationality behind their actions and criticised their failure to uphold commitments.

Moreover, Shah voiced concerns over unauthorised construction on stormwater drains, calling out those responsible and rejecting attempts to evade accountability. With a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing pressing challenges and advancing development initiatives, Shah's administration remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the people of Sindh.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2024.