City of garbage

Karachi has become synonymous with garbage heaps, overflowing gutters, total lack of public transport, water shortage


October 20, 2020

In recent years, Karachi has become synonymous with garbage heaps, overflowing gutters, total lack of public transport and water shortage. These problems are more man-made than due to natural reasons. Heaps of garbage can be spotted at roadside, around hospitals, schools, colleges and graveyards. There are cemeteries where people carrying bodies for burial have to wade through knee-deep dirty water. The provincial government, with the cooperation of the federal government, has rebuilt a few of the ruined roads after they remained neglected for several years. Only time will tell about the quality of the road repair work.

What sets apart Karachi from other cities of the country and of the world are its tall and hugely broad garbage towers. The provincial government has announced umpteenth times that the garbage dumps will soon be cleared, but these promises have remained unmet. At places where large dumps of garbage have been formed, one finds, especially around government buildings and hospitals, walls carrying warning that those caught throwing garbage around government buildings and hospitals will be arrested, prosecuted and jailed: by the order of (an important government official). The official’s designation is mostly in bold letters. The order and warning inscribed on walls are meant for effect — so that those breaking the rule can desist from disposing of waste carelessly. Unfortunately, keen observers and even not-so-keen observers of the ugly scene are now taking the opposite meaning of the writing on the walls — lifting garbage is a punishable offence, so those found clearing the offensive litter will be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned.

Garbage, stray dogs and the crumbling civic infrastructure in Karachi are the main topics of discussion in homes, restaurants, clubs and other such places. Garbage has become a problem with a capital P. Those whose job is to lift garbage, without a doubt, don’t want to work, so residents have become used to living with the unpleasant, offensive and disgusting refuse.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20th, 2020.

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