In a significant step toward ensuring public safety and strengthening municipal services across Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has announced the monthly disbursement of one lakh rupees to every Union Committee (UC). The allocated amount will be used exclusively for the maintenance of streetlights and the installation or replacement of manhole covers within their respective areas. The initiative has received formal approval, and disbursement will begin in December.
Mayor Wahab emphasized that this decision has been taken to prevent unfortunate incidents in the city and to ensure that municipal issues at the local level are addressed promptly and effectively.
Following the implementation of the new local government system-which introduced the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), towns, and Union Committees-each UC was previously receiving five hundred thousand rupees per month. However, several UCs reported that the amount was insufficient and hindered their ability to perform routine duties efficiently.
Acknowledging these concerns, the Pakistan Peoples Party leadership and the Sindh Government acted on the request and enhanced the allocation to 1.2 million rupees per month for each UC. The Mayor expressed gratitude to the provincial leadership for their support in strengthening local governance.
Mayor Wahab stated that, although manhole covers are provided by both the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, it was deemed necessary to take an additional step. Therefore, KMC has decided to provide an extra one lakh rupees to every UC, specifically and exclusively for streetlight maintenance and manhole cover requirements.
This allocation will be released from the Municipal Utility Charges and Taxes (MUCT) account, enabling each UC to respond quickly to complaints, improve neighborhood infrastructure, and deliver essential municipal services more effectively.
Mayor Wahab reiterated that the safety and well-being of Karachi’s citizens remain the city administration’s top priority, and this decision marks another stride toward building a safer, well-lit, and efficiently managed Karachi.