Karachi’s new administrator targets road repair

In Conversation with Dr Saifur Rehman

KARACHI: The much-awaited local government polls are around the corner. If everything goes by the plan and without further delays, Karachi will have an elected mayor after a gap of two years on January 14 next year. The void had been filled by the PPP stalwart Murtaza Wahab as a stop-gap administrator.

But in a surprise move, Wahab was replaced, only a few weeks before the polls, as the result of an understanding reached between the Sindh government and MQM-P.

Dr Saifur Rehman is a Grade-20 government officer. In an exclusive interview with Bol News, he touched upon his priorities with whatever little time he has in office.

Q.There is always a glass half empty in the case of Karachi. You have joined at a crucial time when the public has a lot of expectations from this position. What is your plan?

This role is not new to me.  I have served as a civil servant first as an administrator of a DMC and then as a deputy commissioner. I have been looking after administrative and managerial affairs which is why the Sindh government has reposed confidence in me. There is always a solution to every problem. We can improve the road infrastructure and remove encroachment for a smooth traffic flow.

Q.But any development requires funds. It seems that you will end up crying for funds like your predecessors?

The paucity of funds has always been an issue and the KMC is trying to increase its income. Besides, we will also try to get more funds from the Sindh government. We have different models for improving our parks, hospitals and street lights for which we can also collaborate with civil society through public-private partnerships. There are areas where people in the private sector can do better than us.

Q.What is the single biggest problem of the city that you want to focus on?

Roads are the lifeline of a city. If roads are smooth, we will have fewer accidents. We are repairing roads that were broken by rain and aim to complete them as early as possible. We are filling potholes and doing patchwork too. Besides, pavements or walkways need to be fixed for pedestrians. Thirdly, encroachment is one menace which has smudged the face of the city. We also aim to make the city look greener. Rehabilitation of KMC-run hospitals like the Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital will be on the list of priorities.

Q.The KMC covers just 27% of the city, how will you be able to transform the entire city?

Very pertinent question. I have communicated with every department including cantonments, DMCs, K-electric, Sui Southern Gas Company, Sindh Solid Waste Management Company, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, PTCL, and others. This is my job and I can handle it.

Q.Fahim Zaman is said to be the best administrator the city ever had, how would you like to be remembered?

You can only be remembered for the work you do and I’ll give my best to strive for the welfare of Karachiites. The city infrastructure is feeble and unable to meet the demand. If I can improve it, it will be an achievement.