By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: In a major move to boost municipal efficiency, Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inducted a new fleet of heavy vehicles into the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). The initiative aims to improve the mobility and effectiveness of essential municipal services, while promoting the independent use of KMC’s own resources.
The procurement was financed through proceeds from the auction of obsolete vehicles. A total of Rs 110 million was allocated to purchase heavy-duty vehicles, including mount trucks from FAW Automobile Industries. A handover ceremony at the KMC Head Office saw Mayor Wahab formally deliver the vehicles to the Engineering, Anti-Encroachment, Parks, and Veterinary Departments.
The ceremony was attended by KMC Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, and senior KMC officials. Addressing the gathering, Mayor Wahab said the city government was now investing in civic improvements from its own resources and budget. He highlighted increased revenue generation, which allows funds to be used effectively for both minor and major infrastructure projects.
With KMC Council approval, unused and scrap items were auctioned, generating Rs 227 million. Using these funds, five new heavy vehicles were purchased—two for the E&M Department and one each for the Anti-Encroachment, Parks, and Veterinary Departments. Wahab added that five more vehicles would be procured soon, alongside repairs completed on five buses.
He said the new fleet would enhance field operations, expedite the removal of encroachments, and improve park and urban beautification services, significantly boosting departmental performance. On development projects, he noted ongoing work on Jahangir Road and the Natha Khan Bridge alternative route, while construction of the Bhains Colony flyover is progressing rapidly. He also announced a new flyover from Shahrah-e-Bhutto to the airport, aiming to complete all ongoing projects within 100 days.
Highlighting the scale of municipal development, Mayor Wahab said KMC plans to spend Rs 46 billion citywide this year. Rs 600 million will be allocated to the Old City, benefiting residents of Jodia Bazaar, Lee Market, and Napier Road. He added that the Korangi Causeway bridge will soon open, while the EBM Causeway has been completed with support from representatives of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Other projects, including the Baloch Colony Expressway and Murghi Khana Flyover, are nearing inauguration, and phases of the Red Line project are expected to open in March and July.
Responding to questions, Mayor Wahab said the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would receive full security and protocol during his visit to Karachi, but stressed that political activities should not paralyze city traffic. On the issue of stray dogs, he said neutering and culling faced opposition but affirmed support for humane solutions.
He concluded by emphasizing that clear intentions make achieving goals easier, stating that KMC’s resources would be spent on city improvement and that Karachi’s future would be better for its citizens.
