KARACHI:
Despite being the largest taxpaying city in Pakistan, Karachiites have long been deprived of basic facilities. From poor infrastructure to gas and electricity outages, Karachiites have received little return or relief for their contributions to the economy. Even though most areas experience prolonged load shedding, K-Electric (KE) has continued to charge high prices of electricity. Recently, the government withdrew the subsidy of Rs.5 per unit, which further raised the expenses of the poor. Bills are dispatched late because of which many people have to pay additional charges for late payments. Despite, raising these issues with KE, the KE has failed to offer any justification for its practices.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board dig around the city to install sewerage lines. Once the work is completed, they depart from the location without repairing or rebuilding the roads. The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board has failed to ensure proper garbage disposal around the city. Consequently, several pavements and vacant plots have become garbage dump sites.
The frail road infrastructure of the city has worsened after the recent rain spells. Many main roads have been damaged after being inundated with water for days. Had the roads been regularly repaired along with a proper drainage system, this destruction could have been avoided. I urge both the federal and provincial authorities to pay attention to the plight of Karachiites and resolve these issues urgently. Also, the utility companies’ activities must be monitored and regulated to ensure that they are not exploiting the public.
Ashfaq Sharif
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2022.
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