Karachi rain exposes fault lines in CLICK projects

KARACHI:

Recent rains have laid bare serious flaws in Karachi's multi-billion-rupee development works, with roads collapsing and infrastructure failing in several neighbourhoods, raising fresh concerns about construction quality and oversight under the Competitive & Livable City of Karachi (CLICK).

Widespread damage to roads and drainage systems following the latest spell of rain has triggered criticism of development projects executed under CLICK, a foreign-funded infrastructure initiative.

In multiple areas across the city - including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Nazimabad, Korangi, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area and New Karachi - newly built roads have either sunk, cracked or deteriorated, despite costing billions of rupees.

A stormwater drain in Frontier Colony, constructed at a cost of millions, also suffered structural damage after the rain, further highlighting concerns over substandard work. The project was overseen by officials linked to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) under the CLICK framework.

Observers note a lack of clarity over administrative ownership of these projects. While town chairmen from different political parties have taken credit for completed schemes, responsibility is often deflected when defects emerge.

According to sources, CLICK projects are being financed through loans from international financial institutions, raising concerns that the financial burden - along with interest - will ultimately fall on the public.

In addition to quality concerns, delays have also plagued several schemes. Many projects remain incomplete, with the programme's timeline reportedly set to expire in June.