Islands vote with hopes of clean water, sanitation

Baba Island residents say PPP gave them the most

KARACHI:

Around 10 to 15 men boarded a small motorboat from Baba Island to reach Bhit Island, where their votes were registered. Among them was Saleem Bholla, who was excited to cast his vote for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate.

On Bhit Island, narrow congested streets lead to the polling station from the jetty. Despite the overflowing gutters and deplorable sanitation condition and hygiene, the residents openly showed their support for the PPP. The single polling station on the island, housed in a private school, had a long queue of voters awaiting their turn. The women's polling station was located in another nearby school where the turnout was less than that at its male counterpart.

The excitement and enthusiasm amongst middle-aged voters was far greater than the youth. By 1pm, most senior citizens had already cast their votes and were resting under the shade near the polling stations.

The islands were largely adorned with PPP flags and banners, from which sombre faces of the candidates stared down at the passersby.

Abdullah, a 70-year-old with a joint problem in the legs came to cast his vote on a wheelchair, pushed along by his grandchildren. He reminisced the occasion when Benazir Bhutto came to visit the island when she was premier and he was lucky to be the chief chef on her boat.

UC-41 comprises Baba, Bhit and Shamspir islands with Salehabad, Younisabad and Kaka Village along the causeway of the Manora peninsula. The highest number of voters is registered in Baba Island with 6,500 voters, followed by Bhit Island with nearly 4,500 registered votes. The contest was between three panels — one of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and the other two comprising independent candidates.

Abdul Sattar, a member of the fishermen association, said that people have tried almost all the parties but PPP has given them the most. During the Bhutto era, they were connected to the electric grid and jetties were given to several residents on both Baba and Bhit islands.

Haji Abdullah, an 80-year-old Muttahida Qaumi Movement supporter, said that during the mayorship of Mustafa Kamal, water supply lines were laid down in the whole area. The lines have, however, never been operational. Abdullah added that they buy water drums, which cost Rs60 each. The residents want the elected representatives to resolve the water and sanitation issues on the islands.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2015.