The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has claimed that not more than six inches of rainwater will accumulate anywhere in the whole city in the upcoming monsoon season, as the city administration is “adequately prepared to meet the challenge”.
KMC Administrator Muhammad Hussain Syed said on Monday that eight new water suction pumps – each with the capacity to drain 2,000 gallons per minute – have been added to the administration’s inventory capabilities.
On a visit to inspect the new machines, he said that people faced immense problems last year during the rains. “[But] we have prepared beforehand this time, and all storm water drains are being cleaned at a fast pace,” Syed said. “Anti-mosquito chemicals will be sprayed to counter the threat of dengue outbreak.”
The KMC has identified Nagan Chowrangi, KDA Chowrangi, Shaheen Complex Intersection and Khayaban-e-Badal as worst affected in the last downpour. The authorities have been mentioning the names of just a few places where water accumulation creates problems for the people, but hundreds of roads, streets and lanes remain choked for days after heavy rainfall.
The city is replete with examples where rainwater even from previous years still stands. For example, coming towards Qayyumabad from Korangi Creek Road, one can see an algae-covered lake, which is even visible on Google Maps. The water had accumulated during the 2010 rains.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2012.
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