KARACHI – In anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has decided to launch a comprehensive cleaning and desilting drive across all major storm-water drains in the city. The initiative aims to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater and mitigate the risks of urban flooding. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, which reviewed the progress of ongoing municipal services and development projects.
Municipal Commissioner KMC, Abrar Jafar, informed the meeting that tenders for the cleaning and desilting of major drains have already been issued, with bids scheduled to be opened on Monday. The physical cleaning operations will commence immediately after the procurement process is finalized, ensuring all major drains are cleared before the monsoon rains hit. For this city-wide cleaning campaign, KMC has allocated a total budget of PKR 600 million (60 crore), underscoring its commitment to protecting citizens and public infrastructure.
To ensure transparency, maintain high quality, and guarantee timely completion, Mayor Murtaza Wahab directed the hiring of a third-party consultant. The Mayor emphasized that strict monitoring must be maintained throughout the operation to ensure the effective utilization of public funds and adherence to high standards. He added that since KMC is simultaneously executing a massive development program across the city, keeping the drainage system fully functional is critical.
KMC Financial Advisor, Gulzar Abro, presented the detailed district-wise breakdown of the allocated funds during the meeting. According to the approved plan, PKR 68 million has been allocated for District Central, PKR 73 million for District East, PKR 70 million for District West and Keamari, and PKR 70 million for District Korangi. Furthermore, District South-I has been allocated PKR 56 million, District South-II receives PKR 65 million, and District Malir gets PKR 58 million. Additionally, separate amounts of PKR 74 million and PKR 63 million have been set aside for various collective drainage choke points across the city that require special attention to prevent localized flooding during heavy downpours.
