KARACHI: City Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has urged Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to secure Rs175 billion from the federal government for the K-IV water project.

He questioned whether the governor’s party — Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan — wanted municipal affairs to be handled through Islamabad, despite calling for the empowerment of the local government system in accordance with Article 140-A of the Constitution.

Mayor Wahab said this while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a model park in Metroville, SITE.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Metroville for supporting the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He emphasised that true leadership fulfills promises and that the PPP remains among the people.

Addressing the longstanding water issues in the area, the mayor said that water used to be supplied every three months. However, after taking charge of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), his administration took action against illegal connections and hydrants.

He assured the public that the Hub Canal project would be completed by August, benefiting the people instead of the elite.

Mayor Wahab stated that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, he himself and Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad were working towards the PPP’s vision of clearing the city of encroachments.

He also mentioned the ongoing work on the Gutter Baghicha project, which will focus on water recycling.

He criticised other political parties, stating that even their rallies now resemble mere press conferences, while PPP’s press conferences turn into mass gatherings.

Mayor Wahab reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to fulfilling promises and ensuring unbiased development work across all Union Councils (UCs).

He announced plans for a sports complex in Metroville and improvements in roads and drainage systems, with Rs20 million allocated per UC.

Highlighting the recent distribution of streetlights, he instructed that they be installed in public areas.

Mayor Wahab further stated that by June 30, 2025, numerous development projects would be completed and that service to Karachi would continue.

He invited young professionals to utilise the six vacant floors of the Liaquatabad Supermarket for IT-related work.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025