After-effects of commercialisation: ‘Urban-rural divide hampering sustainable economic growth in city’

Experts stress need for strong institutions that are politically-backed.

KARACHI: With the passage of time, Karachi has become prone to a number of social, political, economic and environmental issues. Rapid commercialisation and little attention to the development of city’s rural areas indicate the lack of proper planning and political will.

This was observed by citizens, politicians, members of civil society organisations and representatives of rural areas, in a consultation meeting, titled ‘People and the Land: Empowering Communities for Social Justice - Rural Karachi’, organised by Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment (CBE) on Friday.

The case study of a renowned urban planner and a member of the Shehri-CBE, Farhan Anwar, on the ‘Commercialisation of roads in Karachi’ was discussed at length, in which he highlighted the urban- rural divide, the gap between the city and its territorial areas, the issues of planning and managing land, the consequences of unplanned development, increased traffic and its impact on pedestrian infrastructure, increased crime rates and other basic issues.

NED University’s architecture and planning department chairperson, Dr Noman Ahmed, said that strong institutions were needed for sustainable growth, adding that such institutions, however, could not flourish without political will. “The government can devise master plans for urban development but they won’t bring out tangible results if political will is not present.”

Ahmed said when Karachi’s Lea Market was established in 1927, the producers and markets were well-connected. “There was no conflict, but slowly the relationship has disappeared and there is no sustained economic growth now,” he lamented.

“Industrial development without investment in agriculture is not possible,” stressed Tasneem Ahmed Siddiqui, the chairperson of an NGO Saiban and the former director-general of the Katchi Abadi Authority. “Large industrial units can’t prosper without the presence of small industrial units.”

Siddiqui was of the view that Karachi had been divided into poor and rich classes. “There is a huge gap between these two classes. The elite class is not aware of the issues of the poor population and is neither concerned about it.”

“Pakistan came into being 67 years ago, but we are still unable to resolve basic issues like health, education and unemployment,” added Siddiqui. “There is a clear crisis of direction. We don’t even have the local government system.”

The general-secretary of Shehri-CBE, Amber Alibhai, stressed that agriculture land around the city should not be used for commercial purposes. “The agriculture land of Karachi should be used for agriculture only instead of residential and industrial use.”

Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh general-secretary Taj Haider said that his government had always concentrated on rural development of Karachi. He said that several schemes were planned in the last two PPP governments, adding that plans did not materialise due to political interference and other interests.

“The rural areas of Karachi need due attention,” he stressed. “The burden on the city can’t be minimised without proper planning and attention. We have to ensure uninterrupted supply of water for agriculture and drinking purposes. We have to understand the issues of unemployment and encroachment on the route of the natural flow of rainwater.”

Khan Muhammad Mahar of Shehri said that the government and civil society organisations needed to properly understand the issues of rural population. “The rural population of Karachi demands tangible results. We have to ensure their basic needs are met,” he suggested.

“The rural population will not thrive till their basic issues, including supply of water, electricity, gas and confirmation of lease of old villages are not provided,” said Abdul Ghani from Ramzan Goth, Gaddap Town.

Praising the efforts of late Parveen Rahman, a long-term director of the Orangi Pilot Project, Haider announced that all remaining villages will be given lease documents soon by the provincial government. “She silently worked on rural development. Her efforts can’t be ignored.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 1^st, 2013.