Civic infrastructure caves in to single rain spell

The metropolitan city caved in to a single spell of monsoon showers, as inner-city streets and alleyways plunged into disrepair following the downpour. Widespread water stagnation and overflowing sewers left residents struggling to commute, with many neighbourhoods submerged and reeking of foul smell.

The civic infrastructure appears to have buckled under pressure, as the administration of all 25 towns failed to provide timely relief. Heaps of uncollected garbage scattered in several neighbourhoods have once again laid bare the inefficiency of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB).

While major thoroughfares fared comparatively better, inner-city streets bore the brunt of the rain. In several localities, roads either caved in or suffered extensive damage due to waterlogging. Reports from Korangi Town indicated an alarming situation, with roads in Qayyumabad severely damaged and portions of streets collapsing. Similar scenes were witnessed in Shah Faisal Colony, Mahmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Admin Society, Old City Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, New Karachi, North Karachi, Surjani Town, Baldia Town, and Orangi Town, where lanes have become virtually impassable due to broken surfaces and stagnant rainwater.

Meanwhile, large piles of garbage were seen in Gulberg, Nazimabad, and parts of Malir, further aggravating the situation. The rain not only exposed the poor preparedness of municipal authorities but has also brought tremendous hardship to residents — just as the metropolis braces for more rain with the monsoon season expected to continue till September.

Model Colony made an example

Liaquat Ali Khan Road in Model Colony has become a stark example of Karachi's crumbling infrastructure. Years of delay in development projects, lack of coordination between civic agencies, and the recent rains have turned the once-busy road into a wreck. A section of the road caved in following recent digging for gas pipeline installation by the Sui Southern Gas Company. The collapse was further aggravated by the breakdown of the sewerage system, flooding the street with stagnant, filthy water.