Transfer of major schemes from KDA to KMC halted

According to sources concerns raised regarding KMC's capacity to manage projects

KARACHI:

The transfer of three major schemes from the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has been stopped following concerns over the alleged poor performance of the KMC and its departments.

Earlier, mega projects managed by the KMC were also withdrawn due to similar performance issues. The directives to transfer three important schemes-Scheme 5 Kehkshan Clifton, North Karachi Township, and Scheme 19 Khudadad Colony-to the KMC came from the Sindh chief minister's office. However, various sectors have voiced serious reservations over the move.

The KDA Labour Union, backed by the PPP, strongly protested against the decision, leading to the revocation of the transfer letter by the KDA secretary.

According to sources privy to the matter, concerns have been raised regarding the KMC's capacity to professionally manage existing schemes, let alone shouldering additional responsibilities. Critics argue that the KMC's disappointing performance has not been addressed, and transferring more schemes to the corporation could exacerbate challenges of the metropolis.

Muhammad Ashraf, the patron-in-chief of the KDA Labour Union, voiced strong reservations, saying that the KMC lacks the capability to handle the burden of the new schemes. "Transferring these schemes from the KDA to the KMC could potentially deteriorate the city's situation rather than improve it," he added.

Senior officials of the ruling PPP have been informed about these widespread concerns and the KMC's poor performance, leading to the suspension of the transfer process. The decision reflects ongoing tug of war between administrative bodies in Karachi, as stakeholders seek improved urban governance and development in the city.