KARACHI: In a significant move, the Sindh Cabinet has greenlit substantial amendments to the Sindh Local Government Act, aimed at augmenting the authority of local body leaders and municipal bodies.
According to the impending amendment, the heads of the union councils and mayors throughout Sindh will assume the roles of chairpersons for their respective development authorities.
As a consequence of these changes, the Mayor of Karachi will assume the ex-officio chairperson role for multiple entities, including the Karachi Development Authority, Malir Development Authority, Lyari Development Authority, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board. The selection of the CEOs for these organizations will be influenced by the mayor’s recommendations.
Key appointments will consider the input and recommendations of the Karachi mayor. From a selection of three prospective candidates, one officer will be chosen for critical positions.
Likewise, the Mayor of Hyderabad will assume the position of the ex-officio Chairman of the Hyderabad Development Authority. The chairman of the Sehwan Union Council will become the ex-officio chairman of the Sehwan Development Authority. With the introduction of the amendments, all employees of the development authorities will fall under the jurisdiction of the council.
The Sindh Cabinet’s approval sets the stage for the legislation to be formally enacted through a passage in the assembly in the near future.
