Sewerage crisis: Flyover construction adds to Malir residents’ woes

Contaminated water has spread several diseases.

KARACHI:

When the excavation for the construction of a bridge in Malir 15 first began, it was a source of relief for the nearby residents as it represented an end to the unremitting traffic gridlock in the area. 

However, the construction has broken the main sewerage line and led the entire area to become inundated with contaminated water. The residents of nearly 35,000 houses near Ghausia Market and Roy Colony in Malir 15 are suffering due to the foul sewerage smell that has now spread to every corner of the area. The people are also forced to walk through the sewerage water every day in order to reach their homes. In the houses located in the low lying areas, the water can be seen entering the residents' homes.

"I don't understand why the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) workers could not remove the service lines before starting construction in the area," said a resident of Malir 15, Muhammad Ishtiaq. He complained the sewerage water has given his young child a skin disease. "I have decided to shift my family to a relatives' house for the time being so that we don't catch anymore diseases."

The general secretary of the Pakistan Paediatric Association, Dr Iqbal Memon, said that the contaminated water has also spread several diseases including hepatitis A and B, gastroentitis, typhoid, hemorrhoids and skin diseases. "All types of airborne diseases sharply increase in areas where contaminated water remains stagnant," he said.

The constructions of Malir 15 and Malir Halt flyovers began four months ago. According to the KMC director technical services, Niaz Ahmed Soomro, the encroachments are the main hindrance in the completion of the project. Soomro was, however, unaware of the resulting leakage of sewerage water. "Anyone from the department found responsible for choking the sewerage lines will be dealt with," he assured.

"We are building the bridges to help the people. The discomfort caused by the construction is, however, unavoidable," he explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2014.