Rs10b owed to retired KMC, DMC employees: Karachi mayor

Murtaza Wahab outlines vision for Karachi’s development over next three and a half years

KARACHI:

City Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that a whopping Rs10 billion is owed to retired officers and employees of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and district municipal corporations (DMCs).

Addressing a distribution ceremony for retired officers and employees, the mayor underlined the importance of fulfilling these financial obligations, stating that 763 officers and employees who retired between 2011 and 2017 are being paid over Rs500 million today, with the process set to continue.

In a commitment to non-discriminatory governance, Mayor Wahab expressed the PPP’s dedication to serving the people and refraining from politicising issues. He clarified that addressing charged parking is out of the jurisdiction of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and highlighted the legal entanglement surrounding municipal utility charges, which has resulted in a substantial loss of Rs9 billion to the KMC due to court proceedings.

The mayor stressed the administration's resolve to settle outstanding dues owed to KMC employees, referring to the approval of a Rs1.4 billion package by the cabinet for this purpose. He urged the chief minister to expedite the disbursement of funds to facilitate payments to more retired officers and employees.

Looking ahead, Mayor Wahab outlined a vision for Karachi's development over the next three and a half years, promising improved utilisation of municipal resources and enhanced welfare initiatives for the city and its employees. He reaffirmed his unwavering support for all KMC officers and employees.

Responding to queries from the media, the mayor provided updates on various development projects underway in Karachi, including the Malir Expressway, Causeway flyover, Scheme 33 drain construction, and Essa Nagri sewerage system upgrade. He also discussed plans for infrastructure enhancements, such as the construction of a new bridge alongside the Quaidabad Murghi Khana Bridge.

Mayor Wahab also spoke about the challenges hindering revenue generation, citing unresolved legal disputes and mafia influence impeding income from properties like the Bolton Market parking space. Despite potential revenue streams, such properties remain underutilised, underscoring the need for streamlined governance and enhanced revenue strategies.

In the end, the mayor reiterated the significance of bolstering revenue streams to fund essential civic amenities, emphasising his commitment to improving Karachi's infrastructure and overall quality of life.