Staff Reporter
Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has defended the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) efforts in clearing the city’s drains ahead of heavy monsoon rains, stating that without the cleaning operations, Karachi’s major roads and neighborhoods would have remained submerged.
Speaking at a press conference at the KMC Head Office, the Mayor outlined the city’s drainage system, political criticism, and the challenges faced during the record rainfall.
Drainage Operations and Results
Mayor Wahab said Karachi has around 600 drains, of which 46 major drains fall under KMC’s jurisdiction while over 500 drains are managed by Town Municipal Administrations.
- Over 300 millimeters of rainfall water was cleared through the drainage system.
- Key areas including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Tariq Road, Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Clifton, Gizri, Orangi, and Gurumandir were cleared due to drain cleaning.
- The newly constructed Yousuf Goth drain, built on directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, prevented flooding in an area historically devastated during monsoons.
The Mayor acknowledged that the drains’ limited 40-millimeter capacity caused temporary waterlogging in surrounding areas during intense downpours.
Criticism on Opposition Parties
Wahab strongly criticized Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and other opposition leaders for what he called “negative propaganda.”
- He said JI leaders held press conferences on roads that were already cleared.
- He accused Farooq Sattar of politicizing issues, saying that as a former MNA he should help Karachi get federal support instead of criticizing.
- The Mayor added that JI-controlled Town Administrations had received Rs. 27 billion, yet failed to deliver results.
“I admit shortcomings on the first day of rain when traffic was mismanaged. But for the three to four hours of inconvenience, I apologize to the citizens. I will not make excuses,” he said.
Drain Blockages and Conspiracies
During operations, Wahab revealed that stones and quilts were found deliberately blocking drains.
“We are facing conspiracies. Some people deliberately try to undermine me. My honor lies in Allah’s hands,” he remarked, adding that political hatred should not harm Karachi’s image.
Call for Unity and Charter of Karachi
Mayor Wahab urged political parties to work together for the city.
“Solutions lie in vision and intent. I am ready to discuss a Charter of Karachi. Whoever does good work, I will salute them,” he said.
He also stressed that President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari give special attention to Karachi as the country’s economic hub.
Tribute to Workers
Wahab paid tribute to KMC workers, sanitary staff, Water Corporation employees, Solid Waste Management teams, police, traffic police, city wardens, and PDMA staff for their efforts during the rains.
Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, and senior KMC officials were also present.
