News Desk
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that industrial areas and business activities are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and that the rehabilitation of the city’s industrial zones has begun. He said Korangi Industrial Area is a major hub of industrial activity in Karachi, where significant improvements in infrastructure are expected to become visible soon. Improving basic facilities and infrastructure in industrial areas will promote business activities and support economic growth.
He said Karachi remains a priority for both the Sindh government and the city administration. The Senator Taj Haider Bridge and Usman Ghani Bridge have also been provided to the people of Korangi by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision is to listen to the concerns of residents of Malir, Korangi, Landhi and other parts of Karachi and address their demands. In line with this vision, development projects and the resolution of public issues are being prioritised across the city.
The mayor expressed these views on Tuesday while addressing a ceremony organised by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to lay the foundation stone for infrastructure rehabilitation works in Korangi Industrial Area. KATI President Muhammad Rehan, Zubair Chhaya, Zahid Saeed and other prominent industrialists were also present on the occasion.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said Rs 68 billion was being spent on improving the city’s infrastructure, while 149 new roads would be constructed in different parts of Karachi. He said the government was also taking measures in collaboration with the private sector to accelerate development projects and provide better commuting facilities to citizens. He added that the primary objective of development initiatives was to provide relief to the public and resolve the city’s problems.
The mayor said the government and the private sector must work together for the city’s development. Listening to public concerns, addressing complaints and building trust among different segments of society were the government’s responsibilities. He added that strengthening human connections was just as important as constructing roads and bridges.
Mayor Karachi said tendering for several development projects had been completed, while the bidding process for some others was expected to conclude within the next three to four days. Work on these projects was targeted to begin in the first week of November, with some road construction projects expected to be completed within three to four months.
He said the Jam Sadiq Bridge had been expanded to eight lanes, while the construction of the Korangi Causeway Bridge had facilitated industrialists, labourers, students and other commuters. Improvements had also been made to the Baloch Colony Expressway, along with the construction and rehabilitation of several major roads.
The mayor said construction of the loop connecting Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Ayesha Masjid was progressing rapidly and was targeted for completion within the next two and a half to three months. Once completed, the project would provide commuters with a signal-free corridor. He added that the link road connecting the National Highway to the Super Highway was also nearing completion, while the completion of the M-9 interchange would improve access to industrial areas and facilitate transportation and logistics operations.