Rs100m plan launched for emergency services

KARACHI:

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has decided to upgrade its Emergency Response Centre to deal with coastal emergencies and further strengthen fire and rescue infrastructure across different areas of the city.

The city government has launched a comprehensive program to improve and expand emergency response infrastructure in order to enhance its capacity to handle emergencies and ensure public safety.

On the directives of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, KMC has issued tenders worth Rs100 million for the rehabilitation, expansion and establishment of key fire and rescue centres. The objective of the project is to significantly improve the city's ability to respond to emergencies, particularly during the coastal season when thousands of citizens visit Karachi's beaches.

Under the plan, KMC will upgrade its Emergency Response Centre to effectively deal with incidents in coastal areas, especially at Hawksbay Beach where the risk of drowning incidents increases during holidays and weekends. The upgraded centre will equip rescue teams with the capacity for rapid and effective response, ensuring timely deployment of lifesaving personnel and essential equipment.

Equipped with modern facilities, the upgraded Emergency Response Centre will improve coordination, communication systems and emergency response capability. It will enable rescue personnel to reach victims in minimum time and further strengthen safety measures in Karachi's coastal areas.

In addition to dealing with coastal emergencies, KMC will also establish a new fire station in Maripur, which will serve as a dedicated emergency response centre for adjoining industrial areas. The new facility will significantly reduce response time in Karachi's key industrial zone and ensure immediate firefighting and rescue services for industries, commercial centres and nearby residential populations.

The development project also includes comprehensive rehabilitation of Rainbow Centre Fire Station, Lyari Fire Station and KMC Fire Headquarters. This will enhance the performance and capacity of these institutions and further improve the overall operational readiness of the fire department.

Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has directed the fire department to continue upgrading its infrastructure on modern lines in accordance with international standards and to further strengthen the emergency response system. He said protecting human lives is KMC's top priority and every possible step is being taken to provide citizens with timely and effective emergency services.

He added that the rehabilitation and expansion of emergency centres will not only improve firefighting operations but also strengthen Karachi's disaster preparedness, rescue capacity and emergency management network.With the upgraded infrastructure, KMC will be better equipped to deal with fire incidents, industrial accidents, traffic accidents, natural disasters and coastal emergencies in a more effective manner.

The mayor reaffirmed KMC's commitment to building a safer and stronger Karachi through continued investment in modern emergency services and public safety infrastructure.