Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has voiced his dissatisfaction with the progress of the Red Line BRT project, describing it as a source of embarrassment for the government.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Wahab clarified that Trans Karachi, an independent company, manages the project, and he is a member of its board.
“The Red Line project is undoubtedly an embarrassment for our government. I have raised this issue multiple times in board meetings with government officials. Despite receiving an NOC two years ago, collaboration with the Water Board was required before initiating work,” he said.
Addressing Karachi’s ongoing water crisis, Wahab criticized a political party for wasting water on the streets, stating, “Members of a political party cut off the water connection to my office. The water supply from Keenjhar to Karachi is limited. The city’s demand is 1,100 million gallons, but we only receive 525 million gallons. I will reveal in a press conference who brought in tankers and during whose tenure.”
The Mayor highlighted his efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure. “Not all roads in Karachi fall under the jurisdiction of the KMC. The city has 106 major roads, and we’ve requested funds from the Sindh Chief Minister to repair them. So far, KMC has completed work on 80% of these roads, with University Road still pending.”
He also pointed out responsibilities outside his jurisdiction, stating, “In addition to the 106 roads, Nawa-e-Insaf’s representatives are responsible for nine towns, not me. The condition of Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman’s UC speaks for itself. We’ve introduced the ADP scheme, and work is ongoing on the internal roads of Orangi and Korangi.”
