Karachi Mayor Apologizes for Delay in Karimabad Underpass, Highlights Solar Street Lights Project
Karachi:Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has apologized for the delay in the construction of the Karimabad Underpass, admitting that the project could not be completed within the announced timeframe.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a project to convert street lights to solar energy, the Mayor said that work on the Karimabad Underpass is progressing at a fast pace, but delays did occur, for which he expressed regret. He emphasized that critics should focus on delivering work rather than making statements without performance.
According to reports, Murtaza Wahab stated that another major project under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) manifesto has been completed in 2026, marking an important milestone for Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). For the first time, traditional street lights have been replaced with solar-powered lights. In the first phase, street lights from Shahrah-e-Faisal to the airport have been shifted to solar energy, while Shahrah-e-Iran and Shahrah-e-Ghalib have also been converted. The entire stretch up to the airport now runs on solar lighting at a cost of Rs 1 billion.
He said that maintenance issues would no longer be a concern as the company installing the solar lights will provide a five-year warranty under the contract. Through solar-powered street lights, KMC is expected to save approximately Rs 25 million annually, and street lights will remain operational despite load shedding.
The Mayor further stated that PPP will fulfill the promises made by its leadership and continue efforts to unite people and move forward collectively. KMC is making progress towards clean and green energy, and its own building has also been converted to solar power. In the next phase, street lights on Mai Kolachi Road and Sir Shah Suleman Road will also be shifted to solar energy.
Addressing the underpass project, Murtaza Wahab said that September 30 was initially set as the completion deadline, but delays occurred due to technical reasons. He reiterated his apology, adding that development projects sometimes face unforeseen delays.
He also mentioned that the quality of fiber manhole covers is being assessed, and if successful, they will be installed across the city. Union Councils have been provided additional funds to address basic civic issues, and all UC chairmen were given funds in December without discrimination to ensure smooth local governance.
