Coastal villages protest over lack of basic services

BADIN:

Hundreds of residents from coastal villages of Badin staged a protest sit-in at Ahmed Shah Mori on Sunday against the absence of basic amenities, dilapidated roads, a drinking water crisis, and the poor state of health and education facilities.

The protesters from villages including Serani, Bhagra Memon and Bedmi raised slogans against Sindh government departments, district administration and elected representatives. They warned that the scope of protests would be expanded if public grievances were not addressed.

Speaking at the sit-in, the protesters criticised the MNA and MPA, saying elected representatives only seek votes during elections and ignore public issues afterwards. "The area continues to be neglected despite the allocation of development funds," they said.

Residents said roads linking Kadhan to Serani and other towns are completely ruined, while bridges over canals and routes are in dangerous condition. "Due to broken roads, patients cannot reach hospitals on time and many die on the way," they added. Women face the worst hardships, protesters said, noting that expectant mothers often suffer due to poor routes and some deliver babies before reaching a hospital.

They added that health facilities are virtually non-existent, schools are in ruins, prolonged canal water shortages have ruined agriculture, and the drinking water crisis has become acute. The protesters demanded immediate repair of roads, restoration of irrigation and drinking water supply, and improvement in health and education facilities.

They warned Sindh government and the Badin deputy commissioner that if demands were not met, larger sit-ins would be held outside the DC office and on the Thar Coal Road.