The City Council Karachi on Tuesday approved Rs 43.87 billion development-oriented budget for fiscal 2005-06 with a major chunk of Rs 20.280 billion for development projects in the metropolis. In an unusual fashion, the budget of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) presented by City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, was approved on the day of its presentation apparently due to reported ban on the presentation of budget by the Sindh government.
The start of proceedings of budget was noisy with the protest from members of the Council belonging to Haq Parast panel, who stood from their seats, and raised slogans "Budget Namanzoor" holding placards. The commotion marred the proceedings for awhile when members of other group stood from their seats to counter the protest of Haq Parast panel, which turned the budget speech of Nazim inaudible.
The total receipts for fiscal 2005-06 stand at Rs 43.823 billion, showing a surplus of Rs 15.79 million include Rs 18.623 billion current receipts, Rs 7.595 billion capital receipts, Rs 1.395 billion funds of Annual Development Plan, Rs 8.850 billion of devolved departments (Sindh government salalry/non-salary), and Rs 7.358 billion by the Water & Sanitation Department (KW&SB).
On expenditure side, a total outlay of development includes Rs 12.885 billion for development expenditures, Rs 6 billion for 'Tameer Karachi Programe', and Rs 1.395 billion for Annual Development Plan (ADP).
Furthermore, Rs 2.577 has been allocated for Towns and Union Councils, Rs 8.850 billion for devolved departments of the Sindh government, Rs 3.301 billion establishment expenditures, Rs 1.245 billion contingency expenses, and Rs 193 million for repair and maintenance.
The expenditure of the Water & Sanitation stands at Rs 7.358 billion, including Rs 3.597 billion for current expenditures, and Rs 3.761 billion for development expenses.
The break-up of expenses shows that a major chunk of Rs 10.919 billion has been allocated for works and services, Rs 7.840 billion for education, Rs 5.376 billion for Malir Development project, Rs 2.573 billion for health, Rs 2.577 billion for UCs and Towns, Rs 1.330 billion for Lyari Development project, Rs 1.395 billion for ADP, Rs 1.254 billion for 178 UCs, ladies, general and minorities seats, Rs 1.061 billion for co-ordination. Besides, Rs 268 million for debt-servicing, pension funds and others, Rs 312 million for community development, Rs 104 million for agriculture, Rs 7.358 billion for water & sanitation department, etc.
The CDGK will take major development works in next fiscal year, and has set aside for development works. The budget summary shows that major part of development funds would go to road, flyovers, bridges, underpasses, overpasses, and others.
The project-wise allocations show Rs 6.00 billion set aside for 'Tameer Karachi Program', which include construction of roads, bridges, flyovers, drainges, crisis centers, master plan for water supply, solid waste, and other development works.
The city government has allocated Rs 400 million for development and improvement in inter-city, towns, Union Councils roads and intersection, Rs 160 million allocated for improvement & maintenance of roads, footpaths, culverts, chowrangi and intersections, Rs 130 million for development and improvement in inter-town roads in city district.
The allocations for other infrastructure development projects include Rs 100 million for Sohrab Goth flyover, Rs 80 million for various parks of city, Rs 80 million for construction of inter city bus terminals, Rs 53 million for renovation, improvement and widening of Hawksbay Road from Grex Village to Hawsbay Beach (T-Junction), Rs 40 million for construction of flyover/underpass at Hasan Square, Rs 50 million for construction of underpass near FTC flyover.
Also, Rs 30 million for construction of upgraded/adjacent roads at Liaquatabad flyover, including installation of T.Signals, Rs 23 million for dualization of Habib Rahmatullah Road, Rs 22 million of improvement in Sarhad (PSO) Surjani Town (Phase-II Manghopir Road).
The funds for the health sector shows Rs 100 million for Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD), Rs 100 million for Karachi Medical & Dental College (KMDC), Rs 60 million for KMDC Phase-II, Rs 50 million for City Diagnostic Center, Rs 20 million for providing facilities for treatment of psychological diseases by establishing units in major hospital of CDGK, Rs 20 million of providing basic health facilities in rural areas/Goths.
In addition, Rs 20 million for establishment of CDGK school for physiotherapy, Rs 15 million for rehabilitation of health care centers, basic health units, child & mother centers including purchase of equipment and furniture, Rs 15 million for rehabilitation of maternity homes, Rs 10 million for chest pain centers, Rs 20 million for Specialised Diseases Hospital, etc.
On education side, city government will spend Rs 50 million for revitalisation of government education institutions, Rs 15 million for up-gradation of existing schools into model schools, Rs 10 million for establishment of Khawateen University.
A long summary of other development projects includes Rs 40 million for construction of library of women, Rs 30 million of construction, improvement & desilting of storm water drains and nullahs, Rs 30 million for plantation at major roundabouts, Rs 27.50 million for construction of new fire stations, Rs 25 million for industrial farming estate, Rs 20 million for construction and improvement in garbage transfer station, Rs 20 million providing and improvement in electricity at Shahrae Faisal.
Besides, Rs 20 million for construction and development of fish aquarium, Rs 20 million for development work at Landhi and Orangi cottage industries, Rs 20 million for construction of Khadda Market, Rs 15 million for construction of gymnasium at Sports Complex, Rs 10 million for development of Malir River Belt, Rs 7 million each for Gateways at Hub River Road and Super Highway, Rs 20 million for construction of Awan-e-Riffat, Rs 18.50 million for development of Safari Park, etc.
Later, the hall of City Council reverberated with slogans in favour of City Nazim Naimatullah Khan when budget was approved unanimously.