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Update date: September 17, 2024 15:09 IST
Karachi (Pakistan), September 17 (ANI): Business leaders in Karachi have challenged Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar over the city’s aging infrastructure. The Express Tribune reported that they have been asked to take action.
The leaders called for immediate improvements to roads in major markets and repairs to collapsed sewage systems, which they say are causing severe traffic congestion and harming local businesses, according to the report.
They also highlighted that poor road conditions and malfunctioning sewage systems lead to environmental pollution and discourage shoppers from visiting markets.
Recent rains in particular have worsened the situation, with many roads and public spaces in the city washed away. Only 5 percent of Karachi’s roads meet high standards, and the majority are in poor condition.
A businessman said, “Karachi residents are suffering despite paying the highest taxes in the country. Karachi city, which contributes over 65% of the national revenue and over 95% to the provincial treasury, is being ignored.” It’s still there,” he said.
They said commuting in Karachi was a “life-and-death matter” and said frequent traffic jams caused frustration, encouraged commuters to break traffic rules, caused accidents and exacerbated the city’s traffic problems. He said that
All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Atiq Mir has called for a forensic audit of the city’s roads and sewerage system. He claimed that “more than 50 percent of development funds are pocketed by political parties in collusion with contractors.”
Mir added that Karachi residents are bearing billions of dollars in additional fuel costs due to prolonged traffic congestion. He also criticized the allocation of funds to the Sindh government as a “fatal loss” due to widespread corruption and mismanagement, stressing the urgent need for accountability to repair and improve the city’s infrastructure. The Express Tribune reported.
Asif Gulfam, chairman of the Federation of Alambagh Market Associations, stressed the importance of a master plan that prioritizes sewer rehabilitation before starting road construction.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) acting president Altaf A. Ghaffar also expressed similar concerns in a statement. He made an urgent appeal to Chief Minister Shah and Mayor Akhtar to take swift and effective action to address the city’s aging road infrastructure.
Gaffer highlighted the growing number of complaints from both the business community and the general public, who are feeling “emotionally distressed” by the collapse of the city’s infrastructure. He pointed out that many roads were badly damaged and flooded, making them impassable for both vehicles and pedestrians, especially after this year’s monsoon rains, the Express Tribune reported.
The most affected areas include major shopping centers such as Jodia Bazaar, Maulipur, Kaemari, Bolton Market and Lee Market, as well as Ma Jinnah Road, Korangi Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan. Contains major roads such as different sections of the city. -Jauhar, Lia Aquatabad. (Ani)
