KARACHI: Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has promised to provide alternative spaces for hundreds of shopkeepers who are going to be affected by the removal of their shops on a storm water drain along 7,000 Road, also known as Godhra Road, in New Karachi.

He announced that existing markets in the area could be utilised to accommodate these businesses, and discussions will be held with the Sindh government to seek additional solutions.

The town administration, deputy commissioner, and representatives of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM) also support the plan to clear the drains, address encroachments, and provide alternative locations for affected shopkeepers.

These remarks were made during a meeting in the mayor’s office, where Mr Wahab discussed the removal of encroachments and the cleaning of drains along 7,000 Road.

KMC is set to demolish over 1,000 shops built over a drain along ‘7,000 Road’

DC-Central Taha Saleem, MQM-P MPA Abdul Waseem, New Karachi Town chairman Muhammad Yousuf, and other officials were also present.

The mayor highlighted the challenges faced by residents of New Karachi, particularly during the monsoon season when overflowing drains on 7,000 Road, 4,000 Road, and 4,300 Road lead to severe issues.

He stated that approximately 1,100 illegal constructions had previously been built over the drains along 7,000 Road, making cleaning efforts nearly impossible.

Although his administration had previously addressed drainage issues by constructing a drain in Yusuf Goth, this section continued to be affected by encroachments. As a result, it was decided to clean the drains and resolve the encroachment issue to prevent future flooding.

Order to set up emergency wards at KMC-run hospitals

Also on Monday, the mayor directed the officials concerned to set up emergency wards in major Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) hospitals to treat patients suffering from diseases like chikungunya, malaria, and dengue.

He also instructed that a feasibility report be prepared for building child homes for street children, old-age homes for the elderly, and treatment facilities for drug addicts.

In line with these directives, he announced that KMC hospitals would be recruiting more doctors and specialists to ensure patients receive the best possible care.

These comments were made during a meeting of the KMC’s Department of Medical and Health Services, attended by Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, Finance Adviser Gulzar Ali Abro, Senior Director of Medical Services Imran Samdani, and medical superintendents from various KMC hospitals.

The mayor also reviewed the existing hospital facilities and instructed officials to implement immediate improvements.

In addition, he mentioned plans to convert the Subhraj Maternity Hospital into a mother and child hospital, enhancing the facility to offer modern services. He said the shortage of doctors and staff at Subhraj Hospital will be addressed, with plans to upgrade all departments to provide better care.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2024