Govt approves Rs500mn development package: Mayor Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Mayor Hyderabad Syed Tayyab Hussain informed that the government has approved the development package of Rs. 500 million for Hyderabad and execution of development schemes would be started soon.

The Mayor, addressing the members of Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry here at HCSTSI secretariat Tuesday evening said after completion of development schemes under the said package, HMC would be able to provide maximum civic facilities to the citizens which at present could not be possible due to paucity of funds.

He informed that the share of Rs. 30 million which was being granted by Sindh government was being utilised for payment of salary of HMC employees, pension of retired employees and in head of commutation leaving HMC no extra amount to continue maintaining the civic infrastructure.

The HMC was providing services to citizens within limited resources under the powers inferred under Sindh Local Government Act 2013, the mayor informed and added that the share which was granted to HMC was less than the Octroi tax resulting in increase of civic issues.

He, however, said despite limited resources, the HMC was extending full cooperation to Chairmen Union Councils and making all out efforts to facilitate the citizens. The HMC had been engaged in removing illegal encroachments, de-silting of drain lines and upgrading the Badin Bus Terminal with cooperation of private sector, he informed and added that outdated machinery was being upgraded while vehicles were being purchased for fire fighters.

The mayor informed that HMC management was also striving to root out corruption and ensure discipline among employees which he termed as a major issue causing hurdles in facilitating the citizens.

Earlier, the President HCSTSI Muhammad Akram Ansari in his welcome address highlighted the issues being faced by the citizens of Hyderabad particularly the business community and also assured support from his organisation to Mayor Hyderabad.