Mismanagement of civic authorities has not only deprived the area’s young of a playground but is contributing to the spread of diseases. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Broken boundary walls, illegal construction and heaps of garbage dumped in the middle of the playground in Khyaban-i-Sir Syed make it more attractive for stray cows than for the children it was meant for.
The playground located in Sector II has turned into a dumping yard for garbage including medical waste, where scavengers are seen more often than children. The general state of neglect encouraged land grabbers who have erected illegal structures. Houses have been constructed in the playground and given on rent.
The residents said the town administration was doing nothing to clean it up and prevent it from turning into a dumping ground. “The smell emanating from the garbage has made our lives a virtual hell,” said Faisal, a resident who lives opposite the playground.
Faisal said they had tired of lodging complaints for disposal of garbage regularly to rid the area of the smell and mosquitoes, which poses the threat of a dengue outbreak in the locality.
Owing to lack of maintenance, there is no space to play for children from the locality or students of two government primary schools and a college located opposite the ground.
Parents don’t allow their children to go to the playground due to the fear they might fall sick since mostly medical waste and refuse from poultry farms is dumped there.
“Will it ever become a proper playground?” asked Sardar Khan, an 11-year old, who was playing cricket on the street with other children. Khalid, a student of a government high school in Khyaban-i-Sir Syed, said they did not have a playground and were forced to play on the streets.
Parents worry their children might meet an accident while playing on the streets. “There are not many vehicles on the road but it might turn out to be risky. We demand the municipal administration remove the heaps of garbage and level the ground so children can play there,” said Qurratul Ain. My children played cricket at home and ended up breaking the car window last week, she added.
“Waste is being dumped in the ground, creating an unhygienic environment. The administration should remove the garbage dumps,” said Prof. Izharullah, another disgruntled resident. The threat of an outbreak gives me sleepless nights, he added.
Residents claim there used to be floodlights which were stolen, making the place ideal for drug addicts to spend the night. They said they had lodged dozens of complaints but to no avail. No action has so far been taken on any complaint. “We are fed up of lodging complaints,” said Zarrar, a local resident.
The area falls under the jurisdiction of Rawal Town administration, whose officials claim looking after the park is not their responsibility. The park’s maintenance is the horticulture department’s job, while garbage disposal is the responsibility of the Sanitation Department, they said. Solid Waste Management District Officer Dr Azim refused to comment on the issue.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2013.
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