I am pleased to write this message for a signature project of Government of Sindh that
is
striving hard transforming
the Karachi into more livable and vibrant city. The Karachi Neighborhood Improvement
Project- KNIP was conceived as a
result of Karachi City Diagnostic (KCD) assessing city's economy, livability and key
urban
infrastructure. The KCD also
found that the urban environment in Karachi, including the quality of its public spaces
has
been declining, along with
infrastructure provision. In this context transforming Karachi into livable, inclusive,
resilient and productive
megacity has been emphasized for sustained and long-term engagement through World Bank
support. The KNIP serves as
strategic entry point for re-engagement by the Bank and a building block for a long-term
partnership in Karachi.
The project is focusing on three areas: first, to enhance the accessibility, usability
and
attractiveness of public spaces
(e.g., roads/streets; second, to improve selected citizen services and administrative
management support; and third, to initiate
mechanisms for inclusive planning and decision making among different levels of
government
(provincial and local), citizens,
private sector and civil society.
The Project's component-I of public space and mobility improvement in three neighborhoods of
Karachi (Saddar, Malir and Korangi)
carry a great potential of change in urban infrastructure development, public spaces
enhancements, creating employment and economic
activities with greater positive social and economic impacts that contributes in addressing
poverty and economic growth.
I have visited the ongoing project activities in Saddar area a number of times and inaugurated
state of the art 'Single Window Facility'
at SBCA for construction permits, Karachi Arts Council open space up-gradation and also observed
the enormous and improved use of these
facilities. I, apart from being Chief Executive of the province, but also as citizen and
resident of the Karachi am anxiously waiting for
the day to open up Saddar downtown project site of two level underground parking plaza and a
great piazza- an open public space at surface
level surrounded by marvelous and historical heritage and cultural buildings near Pakistan
Chowk. I have had the privilege of undertaking
ground breaking ceremony of this project in 2018. This project and place is very close to my
heart. I look forward to seeing this dream
coming true by this year, to experience the breezy and open environment of place with my follow
citizens.
I am happy to hear that work is at advanced stage of completion through dedicated team of P&D
Department headed by Chairman P&D. I also
congratulate the team for designing a robust package of Phase-II subprojects in all three city
neighborhoods. Once executed this would
certainly change the outlook of city with extended provision of public space enhancement and
improved livability.
