Karachi: KESC signs MoU to conserve 123-year-old Denso Hall

[Naveed Yaseen]

Under its corporate social responsibility programme, the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Heritage Foundation on Friday for restoring the 123-year-old Denso Hall to its former glory.

The KESC will allocate a core team of managers and skilled workers to help execute the preservation of Denso Hall and will work in close cooperation with City District Government Karachi (CDGK).

The utility will undertake the project as a sole sponsor and clean the external faÁade of Denso Hall and adjacent buildings at Marriott Road linked to M. A. Jinnah Road. It will also oversee the general cleaning and improvement of sewerage and water lines and electricity cables and removal of encroachments in the area. The aim is to rehabilitate and preserve the Venetian Gothic architecture of Denso Hall which was designed by James Stratchan and constructed in 1886 in memory of Max Denso, a prominent Karachi resident who was the President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce in 1870-71.

According to the memorandum signed by CEO KESC Naveed Ismail and Yasmeen Lari of the Heritage Foundation, the KESC will be the exclusive supporter of the project for safeguarding Karachi’s architectural heritage.

The Heritage Foundation will implement the work plan, organise volunteers programme for the participation of students and other workers, including KESC employees and arrange events around the place for the promotion and awareness of heritage and culture. The CDGK would facilitate the project in civic amenities areas and provide basic maintenance.

Welcoming the challenge of restoring the faÁade of historical building, Yasmeen Lari expressed hope that the KESC would continue to sponsor more such projects for reviving the cultural values of the metropolis.

Speaking on the occasion, KESC’s Chief Marketing Officer Ovais Naqvi said, “We intend to execute various such programmes over the next few years that alongside the core goals of product and service delivery make Karachi a more environmental friendly city for citizens.”

Earlier, the City Council had passed a resolution on June 26 with majority vote to remove encroachments around heritage building Denso Hall to preserve its historic value and beauty.

The council also requested the Sindh Home Department to allow magisterial powers to town municipal officer of Saddar Town to enable him to take necessary steps for removing encroachments.

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