KMC Restructures Engineering Department to Ensure Transparency and Development

 By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi, In a decisive move towards enhancing accountability and fostering development, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) held a high-level meeting of its Engineering Department at the City Council Hall, chaired by Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab. The session was attended by key officials, including S. M. Afzal Zaidi, PAS Municipal Commissioner, Gulzar Abro, Financial Advisor to KMC, and Tariq Mughal, DG Technical Services, among others.

During the meeting, engineers provided updates on the progress of several ongoing development projects throughout the city. Mayor Wahab emphasized the need for a comprehensive restructuring of the Engineering Department to bolster transparency and increase operational efficiency.

One of the critical directives issued by the Mayor was the establishment of a centralized payment plan, which mandates that all disbursements be routed through the Financial Advisor. This process will require a completion certificate to be submitted to the Finance Department before any payments are made, ensuring greater oversight in financial dealings.

To streamline project execution, the Mayor announced the formation of dedicated teams to handle District Annual Development Program (ADP), Provincial ADP, Emergency Works, and "Click Projects." He also indicated that new positions may be created within the department to enhance manpower and ensure focused, need-based development across the city.

In a move aimed at maintaining strict compliance, Mayor Wahab unequivocally stated that no development work will commence within KMC jurisdiction without prior approval and the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This directive applies universally, regardless of the involved department, organization, or governmental body.

Additionally, to alleviate public inconvenience, the Mayor declared that all road-cutting and rehabilitation works will be conducted through a transparent and competitive bidding process, ensuring fairness and efficiency.

These resolutions herald a significant shift towards institutional reforms within the KMC, setting the groundwork for accountable and sustainable urban development in Karachi.