KARACHI, Oct 22: There is need for infrastructure improvement in industrial areas of Karachi, without which there can be no increase in exports. This was stated by City Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, while talking to a visiting World Bank mission at a review meeting held at Civic Centre here.

Naimatullah said that the Export Promotion Bureau has been directed by the President to utilize funds for carrying out development works in four industrial areas of Landhi, Korangi, Federal B. Area and North Karachi.

In the meeting, the WB Mission had an exchange of views on the impact of new local government system, the development activities in Karachi and other issues. Naimatullah Khan told the delegation that the record of the land department was being computerised to check double allotments and other irregularities in all housing schemes of the defunct KDA.

He said a monitoring system has been introduced to contain corruption. He described transport, water and sewerage as major problems of Karachi and said efforts were being made for judicious distribution of water to all parts of Karachi.

He said that old water supply lines were being replaced to check water wastage. The City Nazim said that besides 100 mgd K-III bulk water supply project, an initial agreement has been signed with an American company for installation of a desalination plant.

Referring to city's traffic problems, he said an agreement had been concluded with a Chinese company for mass transit corridor from Sohrab Goth to Tower. Naimatullah said that Karachi is a safe heaven for investment and a number of foreign investors are making investment here and the impression is incorrect that industries here are shifting to Lahore.

He said the new local government system was better than the previous one and said any new system does face problem initially, but with gradual devolution to grassroots level, people will ultimately benefit from its fruits. -APP