Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah paid a detailed visit to the Civic Centre Karachi.
He was accompanied by Secretary Local Government Dr. Waseem Shamshad Ali, KDA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui, senior officials from the Local Government Department, and heads of various KDA departments.
The Minister reviewed the progress of ongoing development schemes under the KDA and directed officials to ensure their timely completion.
He assured that if there are financial constraints or administrative hurdles, the Sindh Government will extend full support to ensure the timely provision of civic facilities to citizens.
Referring to the Kareemabad Underpass, the Minister expressed concern over the slow pace of work and instructed that its speed be increased immediately. Regarding the Munnawar Chowrangi Underpass, he directed that alternative routes for commuters be improved during construction to maintain traffic flow and avoid public inconvenience.
He further instructed that all departments concerned with utility lines should coordinate effectively to resolve issues and allow construction work to continue without interruption.
During the briefing, the Minister was informed that the 1.8-kilometer road construction in Mujahid Colony is facing delays due to water and sewerage line issues and encroachments by land grabbers. Work on the Korangi 1300 Road drain is also underway, but additional funds are required.
The Minister directed that the Traffic Engineering Bureau and the KDA Pipe Factory be made operational.
KDA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui informed the meeting that the organization is currently facing a shortfall in salary payments, while the dues of retired employees since 2020 remain pending.
A summary regarding this matter has already been sent to the Sindh Government.
The DG also requested that a meeting of the KDA Governing Body be convened immediately to address various long-standing issues.
Minister Nasir Hussain Shah instructed that all necessary steps be taken for the digitalization of KDA’s land records to ensure transparency in the Land Department.
He further directed that the Sky View Apartments project in Surjani Town be developed at low cost to make it affordable for the middle class.
The DG informed that a new plan is being prepared to revive the KDA Pipe Factory, while a proposal for the revival of the Safora Asphalt Plant will soon be sent to the Sindh Government for approval.
Regarding the Maymar Asphalt Plant, the Minister directed that a separate meeting be scheduled to formulate a clear strategy for its future operations.
The Minister emphasized that KDA must become financially self-reliant, and for that purpose, new housing schemes and revenue-generating initiatives should be planned.
The meeting was informed that a summary has been sent to the Sindh Government seeking approval for the auction of plots and an increase in government grants to strengthen KDA’s finances.
Minister Nasir Hussain Shah assured that the Sindh Government will provide all possible assistance to make KDA financially stable.
He directed the implementation of a transparent one-window system to eliminate land encroachments and fake land records.
“The Sindh Government will fully support measures aimed at protecting the interests of the poor,” he added.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Minister was given a detailed presentation on the Greater Karachi Regional Plan 2047.
He termed the plan a foundation for Karachi’s future development, instructing that its implementation be accelerated in coordination with the Mayor of Karachi.
Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah stated that the Karachi Development Authority is a historic and public-oriented institution, and revitalizing it according to modern standards is a collective responsibility. With the support of the Sindh Government, KDA will soon regain its reputation and performance.