Mayor demands funds for rehabilitation of fire brigade department

Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhter has demanded the federal government to release allocated funds for the rehabilitation of fire brigade department of the city.

Speaking at a meeting of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI), here on Thursday, he urged the business community to come forward to raise their voice for the rights of Karachi on every available forum.

He said that the Government Sindh had released only Rs10 billion for the development of the city during last four years.

He recalled that Sindh Chief Minister had recently announced Rs 2 billion for KMC but it wasn't a new allocation. The provincial government only cleared the due funds allocated in 2018-19 budget for the city, he added.

He said that it was repeatedly reported on media that during four years the provincial government had released Rs 60 billion to the KMC, the statement is not correct. "Only 10 billion was released for the development and the rest of funds were for salaries and pensions of the employees," he clarified.

He mentioned that not a single mega project was listed for Karachi in PSDP, this is a matter of sheer concern for Karachiites.

He observed that unless Article 140-A of the Constitution would be implemented with letter and spirit, administrative issues couldn't be settled down in the city.

He noted that Sindh Local Government Act binds the provincial government to pay cess on revenue collected form Karachi, "till the day formulation for these payments are not in place," he lamented.

He also criticized the federal government on its indifferent attitude towards issues of Karachi.

He asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to come to the city and manage the state of affairs in person if he wants the prosperity of Pakistan.

He claimed that despite the lack of resources only KMC is managing administration of the city.

He told that salaries of KMDC doctors and Risk Allowance have not been paid for the last four months as funds are not available. He applauded the business community for its courage that despite the adverse condition they are continuing the business and industrial activities.

He said that KMC is managing 14 hospitals with the help of private sector and philanthropists.

President KATI, Sheikh Umer Rehan criticized Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB) for its bad performance.

He said that in just two months 80 complaint pertaining to water supply and sewerage were forwarded to the MD of KWSB from Korangi Industrial Area but he didn't bother to respond them.

He applauded Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah for his personal interest in resolving issues faced by industries and demanded to take an extraordinary decision to reform the board.

He further said that privatization is the only solution for the problems pertaining to KWSB or bring a competent person from business community to manage this civic agency.

Chairman & CEO KITE Zubair Chhaya said that industries were receiving heavy bills of municipal utility tax bills with hefty arrears, a committee should be formed to resolve the issue and demanded the withdrawal of dues.