KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has initiated the use of solar energy to light up key roads across the city.

Mayor of Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has set a deadline of 30th September to light up major city roads with solar-powered streetlights.

The project, part of KMCs broader green energy initiative, includes the lighting up of Sharea Faisal, Marine Drive (Clifton), Shahrah-i-Iran, and Shahrah-i-Firdousi.

The procurement process for the project has been completed, and a consignment of over 1,000 solar light poles and lights is expected to arrive in Karachi by the second week of August.

“These are not just street lights, they are a long-term investment in sustainability,” Mayor Murtaza Wahab said during a meeting.

“This initiative will not only improve public lighting, but will also significantly reduce electricity bill and provide an environmentally friendly solution with a five-year post-installation operation and maintenance plan.”

The mayor issued instructions to avoid any further delays and warned that strict action would be taken in case of non-compliance with the set deadline.

In the same meeting, he also directed the engineering department to establish public washrooms in every district and high-traffic zones of the city.

Moreover, he instructed the relevant departments to expedite the ongoing development works at Hassan Ali Hothi Market, Empress Market (Phase II), and the Keamari Fish Market, setting 31st August as the completion deadline.

The meeting was attended by Municipal Commissioner Syed Muhammad Afzal Zaidi, Financial Adviser Gulzar Abro, Technical Services Director Tariq Mughal, Media Director Daniyal Siyal, and other senior officials.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025