KMC Finance Dept Directed to Expand Developmental Funds
Pak Chronicle Report
Karachi
Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar Monday directed finance department, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to expand allocation of amount for development and decrease amount for non-development expenditures in the next fiscal budget.
Addressing finance departments’ officer here, Akhtar also directed them to allocate amount for 450 uplift schemes that suffered huge delay by non-provision of funds by Sindh government. The preparation for next fiscal year budget was discussed in the meeting, stated a press release issued on Monday.
Akhtar directed his sub coordinates to expedite the works that have been delayed due to lockdown. “Recommendations should be sought from head of different departments to incorporate their schemes in the budget. Schemes directly linked with the people should also be given priority,” he added.
The mayor was of the view that Sindh government had so far paid Rs 625 million to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation for Annual Development Program out of allocated amount of Rs 3300 million. He said that development budget was Rs 5000 million in 2018-19 which was decreased to Rs 3300 millon in 2019-20 and even that amount was not paid to KMC so far.
“Karachi’s many projects could have been completed had the provincial government provided us the amount allocated for uplift works in the city. The KMC is utilizing its all resources for Karachi but the same are not enough for the mega city,” he added.
He said that KMC revenue has been decreased even more during lockdown and its just a nominal revenue was generated but on the other hand expenditures were increased at hospitals under administrative control of KMC owing to Covid-19.
“The KMC has established four filter clinics at different hospitals and doctors and paramedics have been provided all personal protection equipments. A 100-beded separate ward has also been established at Cardiac Emergency Centre Landhi for coronavirus patients. The centre was also provided an ambulance” said the Mayor.
He said that doctors and paramedics at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and other hospitals are serving the people. He said that besides development, a fair amount will also be allocated for health and hospitals up-gradation.
“The KMC’s budget would be presented by mid-June so that same could be passed by elected local government representatives,” he said.
The mayor added Kidney Hill Park would be opened for public soon which would be a gift for Karachiites from the KMC. Another park in Nazimabad would also be completed on open for public by the next year. Financial Advisor Riaz Khatri apprised Mayor that they had been holding meetings for preparing budget by incorporating recommendations
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