KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, on Saturday, inaugurated development projects worth Rs 400 million in District Central of Karachi. Overall, Rs 30 billion will be spent on the megacity’s improvement. In New Karachi Town, with the support of KDA, he inaugurated a Rs 200 million scheme in Khamiso Goth, and laid the foundation stone for pumping stations in North Karachi Town (UCs 1 to 5) with an estimated cost of Rs 200 million. These projects include the restoration of the drainage system, road construction, and the foundation for modern water pumping stations at Khuwaja Ajmer Nagri and Al-Ahmad Water Pumping Stations. Addressing on the occasion, the Mayor said that the projects will restore the drainage system and complete road construction, providing relief to local residents from long-standing problems. Providing details, he said that a 6,000-foot sewage line has been restored at a cost of Rs 200 million, and 190,000 square feet of pure blocks have been laid. He congratulated the KDA team and engineers for successfully completing the project, emphasizing that local residents’ cooperation was crucial for its success. He said that development work is also ongoing in Mominabad and Manghopir Town. The LSR pumping station in Gulshan Town will reopen to the public on January 15 after reconstruction. He said next week, he will visit Malir, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and Steel Town to address water issues there. After Steel Mill stopped water supply to Steel Town and Gulshan-e-Hadeed, KMC spent Rs 5.5 million to provide alternative facilities to residents. Mayor Wahab said the Chief Minister of Sindh has announced Rs 9.25 billion for the establishment of an industrial zone, creating employment opportunities and boosting the city’s economy. He emphasized that the real issue in Karachi is not putting covers on drains but protecting them, which KMC is effectively ensuring. He expressed his desire to promote forestation in the city and plant local trees, declaring that FIRs will be registered against anyone who cuts down local trees. He reaffirmed his commitment to the city’s betterment, environmental protection, and public facilities. Later, Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the under-construction Karimabad Underpass, where he reviewed ongoing development work and instructed officials to expedite construction to complete the project as soon as possible for the convenience of citizens. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025