KARACHI: With over 9,000 shops in more than 50 markets under its management, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) plans to convert all these commercial facilities, including the historic 19th century Empress Market, to solar power, in a move to reduce electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability.

The decision was announced by Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab while chairing a meeting of estate department on Friday, where he issued directives to initiate the project of solar conversion of KMC markets from Bahadur Shah Zafar Market on M.A. Jinnah Road.

“Alongside this, the physical and internal conditions of these markets will be improved, and all records, including those related to shop licenses and other transactions, will be digitised,” a statement issued after the meeting quoted Mayor Wahab as saying.

Municipal Commissio­ner Afzal Zaidi and senior officers from the KMC estate department attended the meeting.

Reviewing a detailed briefing on revenue collection for the current financial year, the statement said the mayor directed the estate department to meet its revenue targets for 2024 and 2025. The target for 2023-24 was Rs290 million, and for 2025, Rs315m has been set, it added.

“The 11-month exemption period for KMC shops will see an increase based on market value,” said the mayor.

“The records for Bahadur Shah Zafar Market, Machhi Miani Market, Mohammad Ali Miani Market, and Empress Market be digitised, with the process extended to other markets over time, aiming at quick completion. The KMC oversees more than 9,000 shops, but their rents are minimal, despite the fact that these markets are located at prime locations. Therefore, an increase in rental revenue from these markets is also essential,” he added.

He also issued directives that all records for Empress Market’s shops and related matters be digitised within the next 20 days to prevent any alterations, and that computerised invoices be issued accordingly.

Mayor Wahab further noted the scarcity of public toilets in the city, causing significant difficulties for residents, especially women and elderly people. Therefore, he said it is crucial to establish public toilets at various locations across the city.

He directed to initiate work on setting up KMC kiosks at various points around major roads.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2024