KARACHI: In a significant push towards enhancing urban infrastructure, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is set to launch 105 development schemes worth Rs11 billion during the month of July.

The announcement came during a meeting held on Tuesday at the KMC head office, chaired by Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, to review the progress of ongoing and upcoming development initiatives for the current fiscal year.

The session was convened in light of the recently passed KMC budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which prioritises infrastructure rehabilitation, drainage improvements, road reconstruction and civic services across Karachi`s urban sprawl.

The KMC`s development budget, amounting to Rs42.2bn, reflects a strong developmental agenda, with a substantial portion earmarkedfor capital expenditure and infrastructure uplift.

KMC`s Director General Technical Services, Tariq Mughal, briefed the mayor and senior officials on the comprehensive development roadmap.

He revealed that the corporation had secured a record Rs29 billion worth of development schemes from the Sindh government for the current fiscal year an affirmation of provincial support for Karachi`s municipal needs.

`One hundred and sixty-six schemes will be completed within this fiscal year without delay,` Mr Mughal assured, adding that KMC had successfully completed 73 development schemes in the previous fiscal year. He further noted that 45 additional schemes are currently under way and are expected to reach completion in the coming months.

The Rs11 billion worth of schemes scheduled for July include major roadworks, drainageimprovements and other civic infrastructure initiatives spanning multiple districts of the city.

The month-long execution drive is expected to significantly accelerate the pace of development and provide visible relief to citizens grappling with poor urban infrastructure.

Only last week, the KMC approved its Rs55.28 billion budget for the fiscal year 202526 through a majority vote during the City Council session chaired by Mayor Wahab.

However, despite the approval of the budget, the political divide within the council remained evident, as members on the opposition benches abstained from voting, voicing serious concerns over what they described as discriminatory and uneven allocation of development schemes.

During the Tuesday meeting, the mayor appreciatedthe efforts ofthe technicalservices team and underscored the need to ensure high standards of construction, fiscal transparencyand timely delivery.

`Our commitment is to deliver tangible results to the people of Karachi,` the mayor said. `There can be no compromise on quality.

Every development scheme must be executed with full accountability and strict quality control.

The mayor also issued directives for heightened vigilance during the ongoing monsoon season. He stressed the importance of proactive planning and field monitoring to prevent waterlogging, road damage, or risks to public safety.

`We cannot allow rain-related disruptions to derail progress or endanger citizens. Every department must remain alert and responsive, he said.

The meeting was also attended by key municipalofficials,includingMunicipalCommissioner S. M. Afzal Zaidi, Financial Advisor Gulzar Abro, Director Media Daniyal Siyal and senior members of the technical and planning departments.