Road repairs will start after rain spell: mayor

City Mayor Murtaza Wahab has said that road repair and construction would start immediately after the current spell of rains. He admitted that road damage due to rainwater is common, and the Engineering Department has been directed to start repair work immediately.

The mayor also stressed the need to launch modern projects in KMC parks to enhance facilities and recreational opportunities for citizens.

Mayor Wahab made these remarks during a meeting with officials at the KMC head office on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, Director General of the Engineering Department Azhar Ali Shah, Director General Parks Junaid Ullah Khan, Financial Advisor Nayab Saeed, Chief Engineers from all districts, and other relevant officials.

During the meeting, Mayor Wahab reviewed the progress of both the Engineering and Parks Departments, directing that all development projects be completed by December 31. He stressed the importance of speeding up the pace of incomplete projects under the Annual Development Program to ensure they are completed within the stipulated time.

He also instructed the director general of Parks to allocate space within parks for urban forestry, aiming to facilitate large-scale tree plantations. The mayor underscored the importance of increasing tree cover to improve Karachi's climate, noting that trees play a crucial role in maintaining a moderate climate.

Mayor Wahab reiterated that achieving these goals would require hard work and dedication, emphasising that citizens expect municipal institutions to contribute to the betterment of Karachi. He noted that 106 roads under KMC's jurisdiction are currently clear, and traffic is flowing smoothly through all underpasses.

The mayor praised the efforts of KMC, the water corporation, and other municipal bodies for their successful drainage of rainwater, resulting in better outcomes this year compared to previous years.

He pointed out that the maintenance of internal roads and streets in various areas falls under the responsibility of respective town administrations, who are also tasked with water drainage. The mayor urged all town chairmen to expedite the removal of standing water from internal roads and streets.

Mayor Wahab also visited various areas of the city to review the situation following the rains. He reported that all stormwater drains are clear, with no obstructions to water drainage.

The mayor instructed that potholes caused by accumulated rainwater be filled immediately, prioritising making roads motorable in the first phase.

He stressed that maintaining Karachi's infrastructure is a key priority, and all necessary steps will be taken to achieve this. The mayor expressed his determination to deliver results, stating that they would not use a lack of authority or funds as an excuse. He noted that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had also visited various areas and drains in Karachi the previous day to assess the situation firsthand.