KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched a series of development projects worth over Rs700 million for the restoration and improvement of the old city area of the metropolis, with Mayor Murtaza Wahab laying the foundation stone on Sunday.

The objective of this comprehensive scheme is to improve roads, the sewerage system and public facilities, for which a completion date of June 30 has been set.

Mr Wahab announced that the main project, covering areas like Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Mithadar and Kharadar, will be completed at a cost of Rs595.6m. An additional Rs100m has been allocated for the restoration of the historic Lea Market building, which is to be completed in 90 days with the cooperation of local traders.

The extensive infrastructure works include laying 400,000 square feet of paver blocks and constructing 850,000 square feet of roads.

Mayor Wahab promises restoration of Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Mithadar, Kharadar and Lea Market building

A major focus will be on the overhaul of the sewerage system, under which new pipelines will be laid in all four major commercial areas.

According to details of the project, over 2,600 feet of new sewerage lines will be laid in Jodia Bazaar, while the sewerage system in Bolton Market will be upgraded with over 4,000 feet of new pipes.

Similarly, 4,050 feet and 4,100 feet of new sewerage lines will be laid in Mithadar and Kharadar respectively, along with significant construction of roads and paver blocks.

Speaking to the media, the mayor said that the year 2026 has been declared the year of completion for development projects and equipping the Old City area with modern urban facilities is the top priority of the KMC.

He emphasised that all work will be carried out transparently and stressed the need for better coordination among municipal departments to protect newly constructed roads from being dug up.

He also spoke about broader urban challenges and confirmed that work on new water lines in Lyari is expected to be completed by June.

The mayor mentioned that the K-IV Augmentation project has been initiated, under which Rs71 billion will be spent on laying water lines, which he described as a fundamental right of the public and the vision of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

To tackle water theft, he announced that a Water Tribunal is being formally inaugurated following the completion of legislation and the appointment of a judge. He said that this new institution will help overcome this long-standing issue.

He confirmed that the KMC will spend a total of Rs46 billion on development works across the city this year.

Mr Wahab called upon opposition parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami, to play a serious role in solving urban problems and questioned why roads at the town level are not being built despite the allocation of funds.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, other elected officials and local residents.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026