The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has announced a major development initiative worth over Rs. 700 million aimed at restoring and improving the old city area’s historic markets.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab laid the foundation stone for the project on Sunday.
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The comprehensive scheme is designed to upgrade roads, sewerage systems, and public facilities across the old city area, with a targeted completion date of June 30.
Mayor Wahab said the main project, covering areas including Jodia Bazaar, Bolton Market, Mithadar, and Kharadar, will cost Rs. 595.6 million.
An additional Rs. 100 million has been allocated for the restoration of the historic Lea Market building, which is expected to be completed within 90 days with the cooperation of local traders.
The development work will include laying 400,000 square feet of paver blocks and constructing 850,000 square feet of roads.
READ: CM Sindh approves over Rs. 9 billion for road repairs in Karachi
A major focus will also be on upgrading the sewerage system, with over 2,600 feet of new pipelines to be installed in Jodia Bazaar, more than 4,000 feet in Bolton Market, 4,050 feet in Mithadar, and 4,100 feet in Kharadar.
“The year 2026 has been declared the year of completion for development projects,” Mayor Wahab said, emphasizing that equipping the old city area with modern urban facilities is a top priority for the KMC.
He also assured that all work will be carried out transparently and called for better coordination among municipal departments to protect newly constructed roads from unnecessary digging.
The mayor further highlighted ongoing urban projects, including the installation of new water lines in Lyari, expected to be completed by June.
He also noted the launch of the K-IV Augmentation project, under which Rs. 71 billion will be spent on laying water lines, describing it as a fundamental right of citizens and part of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s vision.
To address the issue of water theft, Mayor Karachi announced the formal inauguration of a Water Tribunal following the completion of legislation and the appointment of a judge, which he said will help resolve this longstanding problem.
He added that the KMC plans to spend a total of Rs. 46 billion on development works across Karachi this year.
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Murtaza Wahab also urged opposition parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami, to play an active role in addressing urban issues and questioned why funds allocated at the town level were not being effectively used for road construction.
The foundation stone ceremony was attended by City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, other elected officials, and local residents.
