Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Plans Solar Conversion of Commercial Facilities
With over 9,000 shops in more than 50 markets under its management, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) plans to convert all these commercial facilities, including the historic 19th century Empress Market, to solar power, in a move to reduce electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability.
The decision was announced by Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab while chairing a meeting of estate department on Friday. He issued directives to initiate the project of solar conversion of KMC markets from Bahadur Shah Zafar Market on M.A. Jinnah Road.
Alongside this, the physical and internal conditions of these markets will be improved, and all records, including those related to shop licenses and other transactions, will be digitised. A statement issued after the meeting quoted Mayor Wahab as saying.
Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi and senior officers from the KMC estate department attended the meeting.
Reviewing a detailed briefing on revenue collection for the current financial year, the mayor directed the estate department to meet its revenue targets for 2024 and 2025. The target for 2023-24 was Rs290 million, and for 2025, Rs315m has been set.
“The 11-month exemption period for KMC shops will see an increase based on market value,” said the mayor.
Bahadur Shah Zafar Market, Machhi Miani Market, Mohammad Ali Miani Market, and Empress Market be digitised, with the process extended to other markets over time, aiming at quick completion. The KMC oversees more than 9,000 shops, but their rents are minimal, despite the fact that these markets are located at prime locations. Therefore, an increase in rental revenue from these markets is also essential.
He also issued directives that records for Empress Market’s shops and related matters be digitised within the next 20 days to prevent any alterations, and computerized invoices be issued accordingly.
Mayor Wahab further noted the scarcity of public toilets in the city, causing significant difficulties for residents, especially women and elderly people. Therefore, he said it is crucial to establish public toilets at various locations across the city.
He directed to initiate work on setting up KMC kiosks at various points around major roads.
Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2 Cookie Cutters and Ivory Spice Rub: A Recipe for Success
Ingredients:
- One large cookie cutter (representing your business idea)
- Half a cup of ground spices (symbolizing your unique value proposition)
- Two cups of all-purpose flour (indicating the market size and potential growth areas)
- A pinch of salt (emphasizing the importance of balancing flavors in business decisions)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step symbolizes creating a favorable environment for your business, where you can achieve success and growth by making calculated moves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground spices with all-purpose flour. The mixture represents the blend of your unique value proposition (the spice) combined with market size and potential growth areas (flour). This combination is crucial to stand out in the competitive landscape and attract customers or investors.
- Press the cookie cutter firmly into a sheet of dough, creating shapes that represent various aspects of your business idea – such as product offerings, target market segments, and growth strategies. The distinctive shape showcases how you can differentiate yourself from other players in the industry (competing cookie cutters).
- Slide each spice-and-flour-cut piece onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, symbolizing your business plan’s presentation and communication to stakeholders like investors or potential partners.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown (this step represents how well you execute on your plans). The baking process signifies that hard work, dedication, and effective leadership can lead to success in business endeavors.
- Allow the spice-and-flour-cut cookies to cool before serving as a reminder that patience and perseverance are essential for achieving long-term growth and prosperity.
In this playful recipe metaprompt, we’ve combined elements of business strategy with the process of making cookies. The cookie cutter represents your unique idea, while the spice blend symbolizes your value proposition within a larger market context. This whimsical approach encourages creative thinking and highlights essential aspects to consider when planning for success in any endeavor.
