By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, addressed a comprehensive press conference at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation head office on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karsaz, discussing ongoing water supply projects, municipal reforms, and the recent Gul Plaza tragedy.
The Mayor confirmed that the rescue operation at Gul Plaza had been completed, the affected building sealed, and an FIR registered.
An inquiry committee has been formed under the Commissioner Karachi on the directives of the Chief Minister Sindh, and the investigation report will be made public soon. Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, he assured that lessons would be learned and effective measures implemented to prevent similar incidents. He noted that 1.915 million gallons of water were used to control the fire.
Mayor Wahab highlighted improvements in Karachi’s water infrastructure, including a visit to the Hub Reservoir, where cleaning of 15 MGD tanks—not done in forty years—was underway. He reported that after recent rains, Hub Dam is full, a new canal has been constructed, and rehabilitation of the old canal is in progress. Once complete, Hub Dam can supply 100 MGD for the next three years, and after full rehabilitation, up to 200 MGD will be possible.
He added that work at the LSR pumping station will add an additional 4–4.5 MGD to the supply. Emphasizing accountability, Mayor Wahab stated, “Leadership remains responsible; people come and go, but responsibility endures.” He underscored that political leadership must prioritize humanity over politics, citing examples of disaster response elsewhere in the country.
On municipal reforms, he outlined the introduction of the SAP system to improve transparency and curb financial losses. Salaries at KMC have shifted to SAP, with over 5,500 employees already integrated. He revealed that 73 employees of the Water Corporation were found drawing double salaries and confirmed that pension and salary payments will soon be fully processed through SAP.
By June 30, all tenders, contracts, and cheque payments will transition to the system, ensuring long-term financial transparency. Mayor Wahab also announced road rehabilitation projects across Karachi at a cost of Rs. 46 billion, emphasizing that these initiatives will benefit the public and strengthen city governance.
Addressing allegations regarding Gul Plaza, he clarified that the lease had expired in 1983, was regularized in 2003, and all records are available. He stressed that the Chief Minister Sindh had already shared all details publicly and urged anyone raising allegations to provide evidence.
The press conference was attended by KMC City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, elected representatives, and senior officers. The Mayor reaffirmed his commitment to improving Karachi’s water supply, municipal services, and institutional transparency while holding leadership accountable to the people.
