The fault drainage system in Korangi neighbourhood of Karachi is a year-round crisis rather than just a seasonal inconvenience. During every rainfall, large sections of Korangi, particularly in the industrial and residential belts, go under knee-deep water. Commuters are stranded, businesses are disrupted and children are forced to miss school due to impassable streets.
The problem is not merely poor drainage infrastructure; it is years of negligence, inadequate planning and lack of maintenance. Choked nullahs, uncollected garbage and broken sewer lines have turned entire neighborhoods into stagnant water pools, creating a perfect breeding ground for dengue, malaria and other waterborne diseases. The situation is further aggravated by overflowing manholes that emit unbearable stench and pose a constant health hazard.
Korangi is one of Karachi’s key industrial hubs, contributing significantly to the city’s economy. Yet, its residents and workers are forced to wade through filthy water, risking health and safety on a daily basis. Temporary pumping after rains is not a solution; only a modern, well-planned drainage network with regular upkeep can prevent this recurring crisis.
I urge the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the Sindh government and relevant agencies to take immediate, long-term measures before the next monsoon season. If Korangi continues to drown every year, the damage will not only be to its roads and homes but to the trust of its people in their public institutions.
Nafisa Younus
Karachi
