KMC unveils Rs55b surplus budget
Revenue sources include over Rs44.150 billion in current receipts, Rs2.134 billion from capital receipts, and Rs9 billion under the District Annual Development Programme (ADP).
Key expenses feature Rs31.591 billion for establishment costs, Rs3.048 billion for contingencies, and Rs3.013 billion allocated to development projects. Significant investments are also earmarked for World Bank-funded CLICK projects and District ADP-related works, both allocated Rs7.434 billion and Rs9 billion respectively.
Major allocations in the budget include Rs13.410 billion for pensions and miscellaneous spending, Rs7.299 billion for health services, Rs5.305 billion for municipal services, and Rs4.375 billion for engineering. Various departments including land, estate, katchi abadis, and charged parking collectively receive over Rs2.101 billion, while parks and horticulture get Rs1.773 billion.
Cultural and recreational activities are backed by Rs1.284 billion, and sectors such as IT, legal affairs, and investment promotion also receive support. Revenue projections anticipate Rs28.543 billion from government grants and Rs850 million in recoveries from K-Electric dues. Additional income is expected from multiple departments, with notable contributions from Municipal Utility Charges and Taxes (MUCT) and Advertisement at over Rs3.050 billion, the Land Lease Department with Rs2.549 billion, and the Finance & Accounts section generating Rs771.570 million.
Development initiatives focus heavily on urban infrastructure, including Rs7.434 billion for CLICK development, Rs4.633 billion for district ADP schemes, Rs464.480 million for parks, and Rs257.990 million for municipal projects.
Moreover, projects such as roadworks, stormwater drain cleaning, and hospital equipment upgrades are part of the spending plan. Special initiatives include Rs500 million in MUCT-funded projects, solarization of KMC buildings, urban forestation, shelter homes for addicts, and park developments, each ranging between Rs50 million and Rs295.2 million. The budget reflects a balanced approach to urban development, infrastructure upgrades, and essential public services while maintaining fiscal discipline.
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In the current scenario, privatisation is the key to reforms in the power sector, and efforts will need to be made to convince investors to show interest in DISCOs.' However, Alvi said he was steadfast. 'We will not cease our struggle to do the right thing. 'We have done a lot of good to change Karachi's electricity landscape. I am afraid to imagine what the situation would have been like had privatisation not happened.' In a World Bank's 'PAKISTAN FEDERALPUBLIC EXPENDITURE REVIEW 2023', the lender said KE's 'privatization has resulted in savings of Rs900 billion for consumers and the government'. Alvi admitted that challenges remain. 'How do you explain to people that price is not under our control. 'You cannot steal basic necessities if you don't have money. Somehow, the principle goes out the window with electricity.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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