Wet spell dampens business activities

Last week's relentless rainfall and overcast weather disrupted not only the daily life but also business activities in the metropolitan city.

Stagnant water, filth, and slush surrounding various markets and shopping areas have led to a sharp dip in customer traffic, causing worry among shopkeepers and small business owners.

Faced with a cash crunch caused by drop in sales, some vendors are offering discounted prices, The Express Tribune has found in a survey of the markets and background interviews with traders. Daily wagers are also struggling to find work due to the adverse weather as household repairs have come to a standstill. Rickshaw-walas and online ride-hailing services are also facing challenges due to the reduced activity.

Atiq Mir, Chairman of the Karachi Tajir Ittihad, voiced concerns over the situation, saying that business activities were already reeling from high power tariffs and new taxes. "The overcast weather and poor cleanliness in Karachi have kept markets and bazaars quiet since the beginning of the week," he told The Express Tribune. Markets including Arambagh, Jamia Cloth, Liaquatabad, Karimabad, Saddar, and Bolton Market are surrounded by stagnant water and stinking slush. This discourages shoppers, particularly women, from visiting these markets. The wholesale commodity market, Jodia Bazaar, is also in poor condition, making shopping difficult.

Small business centres are particularly struggling due to drop in customer flow and limited cash transactions. Food vendors are facing a standstill as the stench and dip in customer turnout have affected their business. Many shopkeepers are offering discounts in hopes of attracting customers. They urged the Sindh Local Government Ministry to address these issues immediately.

Khawaja Jamal Sethi, Patron-in-Chief of the All Karachi Traders Alliance, said that daily wagers are among the hardest hit. Many have been deprived of earnings for several days and are relying on food kitchens or loans. Relentless rainfall has damaged city roads and infrastructure, disrupting transportation. "The Sindh government needs to prioritise road repairs and cleanliness," he added.

On his part, Rana Muhammad Akram, Vice Chairman of the Karachi Tajir Ittihad, said that deteriorating roads are also affecting food services. The slowdown in food item bookings has caused distress among riders, with many small vendors experiencing a 40 per cent drop in sales. The Old City area, a key commercial hub, is particularly affected by submerged roads.

Riaz, a contractor involved in construction business, said that rain has restricted construction work, leading to unpaid wages for labourers. Many workers are left without job opportunities.

Imran, a rickshaw union office-bearer, said that work of tri-wheeler drivers has dropped by 50 per cent due to the rain and damaged roads. The reduced number of passengers has led to a quiet atmosphere in markets. He urged the government to address these issues to support the business community.