The first meeting of the Co-ordination Committee, set up to manage municipal services and related affairs of various federal and provincial organisations under a co-ordinated system, was held here on Monday under the chairmanship of Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad.
It was informed that the Master Plan for Karachi will be finalised this month and presented before the concerned forum for approval. The Governor called for having consultation with all the stakeholders in the Master Plan. He pointed out that formation of Master Plan will be beneficial only when it will be prepared by keeping correct statistics and specially correct population projection in view. In this regard he stressed on immediate measures to ensure MP finalisation as per programme.
The Governor made it clear that despite development projects in the city, difficulty is being faced in the attainment of desired results because of lack of understanding between various functional municipal and other organisations. Particularly, the Governor stressed, there is need for them to work under a co-ordinated system specially in connection with sanitation, sewerage, improvement of roads and providing facilities to people.
He observed that the elements involved in encroachments and occupation of land keep taking advantage of obtaining conditions. He said the Co-ordination Board has been constituted for liaison between various organisations and to provide guidance for harmonised working and to overcome impending disputes.
He expressed the hope that the situation will be controlled through collective efforts and the mission of making Karachi as world's most modern and developed city will be achieved.
The Co-ordination Board took stock of various matters, including the progress made under Taameer-e-Karachi programme, elimination of encroachments, supply of electricity, bill boards, construction of buildings under uniform bylaws and industrial development.
The committee took a detailed overview of electric supply to the city and Governor directed the KESC authorities to ensure necessary measures in this regard before the summer starts.
He urged the corporation to increase its power production in view of prevailing situation and said its investment in this regard should be seen visible.
Taking notice of deaths of people by electrocution during rains, the Governor called for paying full attention on it so that lives of people can be saved. He stressed on early payment of compensation in such cases. He emphasised upon supply of electricity to industrial consumers, particularly export-oriented industries so that promised export orders could be met.
KESC officials informed that Port Qasim has provided land for installation of generators received from Dubai. They informed that telephone lines for complaints and contacts have been increased from 50 to 125 while 80 functionaries have been assigned to maintain contacts with Town Nazims.
The Governor told the meeting that steps are being taken for facelift of buildings and beautification of their exteriors. In this regard the KBCA's bylaws are being updated.
It was informed that 13 pedestrian bridges will also be completed in the city till March 23. The meeting was attended by Tariq Ikram, Mustafa Kamal, Chairmen Pakistan Steel and Port Qasim Authority, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan and senior officials of Cantonment Boards, CAA, Pakistan Railways, KPT, KESC, Board of Revenue Sindh and other concerned federal and provincial organisations.