PPP manifesto provides solutions to Karachi’s problems, says mayor

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and waste management and conceded that encroachments that took place in the past exacerbated the problems of Karachi.

Speaking at an event organised by the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) on Saturday, he revealed that 14,000 tonnes of garbage was collected daily in the city. New machinery and equipment was being provided in District Central to enhance workforce efficiency, he said.

The event was also attended by Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, SSWMB Managing Director (MD) Tariq Nizamani, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Deputy Parliamentary Leader in City Council Dil Muhammad, local PPP leader Sardar Khan and others.

The mayor took a jibe at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), remarking that those who once held power now sought authority again. He compared the situation to the Governor House’s Bell of Hope, stating that its current state reflected the condition of the governor himself.

He also revealed that projects were under way to generate 50 megawatts of electricity, gas, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) from waste. Of the 14,000 tonnes of garbage generated daily in Karachi, 10,000 tonnes were managed by the SSWMB, while 4,000 tonnes were handled by other organizations, he added.

The meeting was told that in order to improve cleanliness in District Central, the administration was providing 2,300 dustbins with a capacity of 240 litres, 250 dustbins of 0.8 cubic metres and 100 mini tippers.

The mayor pointed out that from 1988 to 2024, a single political party controlled the district, and while many individuals progressed, the district remained neglected.

He noted that for the first time in history, the mayorship of Karachi had been given to the PPP. He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto had promised to address Karachi’s issues and the party’s manifesto provided solutions to them.

Emphasising that development efforts were being carried out without discrimination, he mentioned ongoing work in all districts, including Korangi, Central, Malir, and Keamari. Wahab also announced a new initiative to manufacture sewer covers from waste materials.

Addressing resource constraints, he stated that his administration would not complain about a lack of funds or authority but continue working to improve the city.

Responding to critics who claimed no progress was being made, he asserted that their work was the best response to such allegations.

He highlighted that Karachi previously lacked a structured waste management system and pointed out that sanitation workers often faced violence when illegal waste collectors were stopped. He questioned where these illegal waste collectors disposed of the garbage and clarified that household waste collection was not the government’s responsibility. However, he assured that 10,000 to 11,000 tonnes of waste were collected daily and not dumped into the city’s drains.

Regarding anti-encroachment operations, Wahab stated that whenever action was taken, mafias resisted. He asserted that Karachi was not meant for illegal hotels and street vendors and recalled how past generations described the city’s system as in complete disarray. Referring to a viral video, he mentioned an incident where a man rang the Bell of Hope at the Governor House seeking assistance but ended up having his motorcycle stolen. Instead of helping him, the Governor House staff directed him to file a police report.

The mayor urged the citizens to call 1128 for quick assistance and mentioned that discussions were held with the commissioner and traffic DIG regarding recent road accidents. He noted that 54 per cent of road accident fatalities involved motorcyclists and advised them to ride cautiously.

Criticising the federal government’s spending priorities, he pointed out that while billions were allocated for highways in Lahore, Sahiwal, and Bahawalnagar, no funds had been allocated for the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway.

Wahab said greater efforts would be made next year to improve Karachi.