However, sources at KMC claimed that the rate of collection of MUC has increased since the government won a case in the court. Besides, it has made the clearance of dues (MUC) mandatory for transfer of property documents. To avoid a burden and bulk of charge with arrears later, the people are now trying to pay MUC regularly, they claimed.
However, during the last couple of years only 5 to 10 percent residential, commercial and industrial consumers are paying the new levy introduced through a resolution passed by City Council. KMC on Friday has extended the due date for paying MUC and instead of November 30, 2012 the charges could now be paid till December, 14, 2012.
The distribution of bills for third quarter of current year (July to September 2012) had already been completed. However, due to Muharram holidays including sat-sun the due date has been extended to facilitate the consumers and in this connection necessary directives have been issued to the respective banks.
The new levy, which has added the miseries of poverty-hit masses of Karachi, was approved by the Council in June 02, 2008. The implementation of the resolution was started by former CDGK. The new levy was imposed with the aim to have a good maintenance and care of the city infrastructure, built by the city government with the investment of billions of rupees.
According to the resolution, the monthly utility charges for the residential, as per Sq. yard areas of 40 to 80 square yard, 81 to .120 Sq. yard, 121 to 240 Sq. yard, 241 to 500 Sq. yard, 501 to 1000 Sq. yard, and 1001 Sq. yard and more, would be Rs 70, 150,200,300,500,800 per month, respectively. It said for the pushcarts and Cabin Holders, the rate would be according to weight and volume. Upper floor will be charged only if it is rented or used for commercial purposes. For Commercial and Industrial, they said, the charges would be as per the proposal submitted by the department.
The commercial and industrial land of 200 square yard to 500 square yard, 501 to 1000, 1001 to 2000, 2001 to 3000 , 3001 to 5000 and 5001 square yard to 10000 square yard and more than 10000 square yard would be charged Rs 1000,1500,2000,2500,3000,4000, and 5000 per month, respectively. For the amenity plot of 1000 square yard, above 1000 to 5000 and over 5000 square yard land, the monthly utility charges would be Rs 500, 1000 and 2000, respectively.