In a meeting held at CM House, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Retd) Maqbool Baqar directed the transport department to engage with the federal government for the construction of the Green Line Corridor, extending it from Numasih to Radio Pakistan. The contract for the current firm working on the corridor has been canceled, necessitating a re-tendering process for the crucial Green Line project extension.
The meeting, attended by various key figures including Minister LG Mubin Jumani, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and Chairman P&D Shakil Mangnejo, focused on civic issues and infrastructure projects. The Chief Minister expressed concern about the neglect of the Civic Centre, urging the improvement of its overall appearance and facilities.
Justice Baqar highlighted the dilapidated state of the Civic Centre’s washrooms and instructed the DGA KDA to enhance both the exterior and interior aspects of the building. He also directed the Secretary of Local Government to initiate rent deductions from provincial government offices in the Civic Centre and take strict actions against federal government offices that are not paying rent.
Addressing the issue of dangerous buildings, the Chief Minister directed the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) DG to conduct an audit and report actions taken to prevent potential hazards. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive report on builders whose structures were substandard, urging the cancellation of construction licenses if improvements were not made.
Concerns about Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Civil Hospital buildings prompted the CM to instruct the Secretary Works to visit and carry out necessary repairs. Mayor Karachi was tasked with visiting Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and preparing a detailed improvement plan.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern about ghost employees in local bodies during the transition period, directing municipal commissioners, local government, and the finance department to review employment records, remove ghost employees, and submit a report.
In a bid to discourage the additional charges given to officials, the CM directed all departments to withdraw such orders unless of utmost importance. He also addressed the issue of encroachments by directing deputy commissioners to regularize pushcarts/thelas, allowing economic activities without causing traffic disruptions.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, the CM warned the DG to improve cleanliness efforts, stressing the need for visible results despite significant financial investments.
On the environmental front, the Chief Minister directed all towns to initiate tree plantations, enhance cleanliness, improve drainage systems, and eliminate encroachments. He criticized the increase in sapling prices and urged the Director of Parks KMC to enhance efforts in making the city greener. Justice Baqar questioned the efficacy of the parks department, emphasizing the need for tangible improvements in the city’s greenery.
