Month-long sewerage crisis plagues Gulshan

Sewage overflow disrupts traffic; water corporation blames SSGC excavation work

KARACHI:

A month-long sewerage crisis has turned a major road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal into a stagnant pool of filthy water, leaving commuters struggling to navigate deep potholes, foul odours and severely damaged road infrastructure, while residents accuse authorities of failing to address the issue.

According to residents, the main road connecting Blocks 13-B and 13-C has remained submerged in overflowing sewerage for nearly a month. The standing water has further deteriorated the already damaged road, creating potholes up to half a foot deep and making travel hazardous for motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians alike.

Residents said the overflowing sewage has not only disrupted daily commuting but has also created an unbearable stench in the area. They complained that despite the problem persisting for weeks, no effective measures had been taken to restore the sewerage system.

They added that many motorists had been using this route as an alternative because University Road is already in poor condition. However, the worsening state of the road has now made it impassable.

Responding to the situation, officials of the Water Corporation said the sewerage line was damaged during excavation work carried out by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for the installation of new gas pipelines. They maintained that the affected sewerage line serves a residential project and that responsibility for its repair rests with the project's management.

Following media coverage by The Express Tribune, Water Corporation officials assured that restoration work on the damaged sewerage lines would begin on Thursday.