Karachi: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has written to the Minister of Local Government and Housing Town Planning, Government of Sindh, highlighting a critical public issue regarding the delayed restoration of roads following development-related road cutting activities across the city.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the Mayor pointed out that although various infrastructure projects and roadworks have been executed over the years by the Local Government Department, KMC, and former DMCs with Sindh Government's support, the condition of roads in most parts of the city remains dire. This is primarily due to road cutting carried out by utility service providers, without subsequent rehabilitation, despite the collection of 'Road Cutting Charges' by the respective Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs).

The Mayor emphasized that while the provision of gas and utilities remains vital, the repairing of dug-up roads is equally crucial for public safety and convenience. Despite receiving funds designated for road restoration, many TMCs have failed to carry out the necessary repairs.

Mayor Wahab also noted that this concern has been repeatedly brought up in meetings with the Chief Minister of Sindh. He expressed further concern that some towns may have overstepped their jurisdiction by collecting road cutting fees even for KMC-administered roads.

He has formally requested the Local Government Minister to issue directives to all Municipal Commissioners of TMCs to immediately utilize the collected funds for repairing the affected roads. This action is essential to reduce public inconvenience and ensure the city's infrastructure remains intact and functional, especially in light of recent rains that have worsened the road conditions.