Karachi’s infrastructure to be enhanced under the KNIP initiative

KARACHI: Through the Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project (KNIP) funded by the World Bank (WB), the Sindh government is set to rejuvenate the city of Karachi, announced Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the launch ceremony.

The launch ceremony was attended by Home Secretary and KNIP Project Director Qazi Kabir, the president of Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, the team of KNIP, concerned officials, and the representatives of the World Bank (WB), along with artists and citizens of Karachi.

Revitalising urban spaces into a sustainable, creative and eco-friendly environment, enhancing public spaces and road infrastructure through effective urban planning, and increasing accessibility and mobility of selected areas such as Saddar, Malir and Korangi are few of the aims of the project, briefed the CM Sindh

An ‘educational and cultural zone’ is currently being established in Saddar under the initiative. Din Muhammad Wafai Road, Tratchan Road, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road and MR Kayani Road has been selected as the sub-project area in phase-I of the project, which is 2.5 km.

To avert traffic congestion, a parking plaza near the National Museum has also been built.

Earlier, the WB had carried out and submitted a ‘Karachi City Diagnostic’ report on the behest of the Sindh government to formulate a strategy of long-term and short-term projects.

“The Karachi City Diagnostic” survey was carried out by the World Bank, on the government’s request for the formation of a plan to transform the city. The survey provided an overview of the challenges faced and opportunities that can be created, along with estimating the level of investment needed to bridge infrastructural gaps and improve the region’s economic potential.

Another component of the KNIP is the ‘single window facility’ for the Sindh Building Control Authority to facilitate the issuance of construction permits under one roof. The time required for construction permits has been reduced to 15 days from 45 days, further briefed CM Sindh.

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