Rainwater peels black mask from roads

KARACHI:

Many neighbourhoods in the metropolitan city have been left inundated with stagnant rainwater and sewage five days after the torrential rain hit the city.

The claims of the Sindh government and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) defy the reality in swathes of Karachi division.

Jehangir Road — one of the city's busiest arteries — has been left battered and broken following the recent spell of monsoon rains, with residents describing its condition as nothing short of ruins.

Stretching from Guru Mandir to Teen Hatti Bridge, the road serves as a vital link between District East and District Central, while also catering to traffic from nearby federal government colonies. Hundreds of vehicles, including buses, rickshaws and private cars, ply the thoroughfare daily, making it one of the city's lifelines.

Citizens complained that heavy showers have carved out potholes and broken patches along both tracks, disrupting traffic flow and causing long jams, particularly during peak hours.

"The road was resurfaced only a few months ago, but the rains washed away all that effort," one resident said.

Commuters said the uneven surface is damaging vehicle suspensions and engines, forcing them into frequent, costly repairs.

In a tone of frustration, locals said if the government lacked resources, they were ready to contribute funds themselves. "We are not demanding grand projects — only basic road repairs and proper drainage," another resident said.

They urged the relevant authorities to immediately carry out drainage, cleaning and repair work on Jehangir Road to restore smooth traffic movement and provide relief to the thousands who depend on it every day.

Johar Underpass

Meanwhile, a portion of the road adjacent to Gulistan-e-Johar underpass subsided and developed cracks, a video of which quickly went viral on social media. Taking immediate notice, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab ordered repair work, which has since begun and is expected to be completed soon.

According to details, the incident occurred on the side of the underpass leading toward Pehlwan Goth. A citizen filmed the damaged section and uploaded it online, prompting swift action from the authorities. The contractor responsible for the underpass construction, accompanied by workers, reached the site and initiated repairs, while officials of the Mega Projects Department were also present.

The contractor clarified that the underpass walls remain intact and there is no structural threat. He explained that only a small portion of the road surface had been affected, which is being excavated with heavy machinery for proper restoration. The repair work is expected to be completed by Monday.

It is noteworthy that the Johar Chowrangi underpass was inaugurated on August 11, 2023.

Residents surrounded by sewage

Residents of Ali Basti in Golimar have been trapped for several days in stagnant sewage and rainwater that has flooded streets and lanes, paralyzing daily life. The foul-smelling, dark water has left the locality in deplorable condition, with no relief in sight.

Locals allege that despite repeated complaints, municipal authorities have failed to take effective action for drainage and cleanup. They warn that the stagnant water is not only spreading unbearable stench but has also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising fears of dengue and other diseases.

Residents say children are unable to attend school, the elderly remain confined to their homes, and local businesses have been forced to shut down. "We reported the issue several times to the Union Council and municipal officials, but apart from verbal assurances, nothing has been done. The entire neighborhood is forced to live amid stench and the constant fear of disease," said a female resident.

CM cracks the whip

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed Commissioner Karachi to prioritize drainage efforts in rain-affected areas and inner city roads. During a briefing, Commissioner Hassan Naqvi presented a detailed report on completed and ongoing drainage operations across the city.

According to the CM House spokesperson, the Chief Minister was informed that under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners and with support from district municipal corporations, drainage work is actively underway. All Deputy Commissioners submitted progress reports for their respective districts.

Commissioner Naqvi reported that drainage has been completed in key areas of District South, including MA Jinnah Road, Burns Road, Empress Market, and Urdu Bazaar. In District Korangi, all roads have been cleared, while work continues in low-lying areas of Mehran Colony and Allahwala Town.

In District Malir, over eleven roads including Airport, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and Steel Town have been cleared. Drainage is ongoing in areas near Safora and Ibrahim Hyderi. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority is assisting with pumps to expedite work on inner roads.

Drainage has also been completed in District East, West, and Central, including North Nazimabad, Gulberg, and Liaquatabad.