Of informal settlements

metropolis

The mushroom growth of slums in Karachi has become one of the city’s most pressing issues. As Pakistan’s largest metropolis and economic hub, Karachi attracts thousands of migrants each year seeking better opportunities. However, the city’s inability to keep pace with this rapid urbanisation has resulted in a proliferation of informal settlements, also known as Kachi Abadis. These areas are characterised by inadequate housing, the lack of basic services, and poor living conditions, which exacerbate social and economic disparities.

Orangi Town is a well-known example of an informal settlement in Karachi. Home to over a million people now, it began as a squatter settlement and has grown over the years into one of the largest slums in Asia. While residents have made commendable efforts to improve their conditions, such as building their own sanitation systems, the area still suffers from a lack of formal recognition and infrastructure. Similarly, Lyari, one of Karachi’s oldest neighbourhoods, has faced decades of neglect. Its residents struggle with overcrowding, insufficient water supply, and limited access to healthcare and education.

The rise of slums in Karachi is largely driven by a severe shortage of affordable housing, fuelled by rapid population growth and limited land availability. As real estate prices soar beyond the reach of the low-income families, many are forced to seek shelter in informal settlements, often built on unclaimed or government land without legal ownership. These communities emerge as a desperate solution to housing needs but lack basic services and infrastructure. Poor urban planning and weak enforcement of land use regulations allow these slums to expand unchecked, creating a cycle of overcrowding, poverty, and inadequate living conditions for millions of residents.

Another key factor is the migration of people from rural areas to urban centres like Karachi. Many individuals and families move to the city in search of better job opportunities, improved living conditions, or to escape natural disasters like floods that impact their home regions. However, Karachi’s infrastructure and public services are stretched thin and unable to support this growing population. As a result, many of these migrants end up settling in informal settlements, where access to basic services like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is limited, contributing to the city’s challenges.

The consequences of this issue are far-reaching. Poor living conditions in slums lead to health problems, as residents often lack access to clean water, sanitation, and proper waste disposal. Children growing up in such environments have limited access to education, which traps them in a cycle of poverty. Informal settlements also pose challenges for the city authorities, as the lack of proper documentation and planning makes it difficult to provide essential services or integrate these areas into the city’s formal framework.

To tackle this problem, a comprehensive solution is required. Firstly, there must be a focus on developing affordable housing projects. In this regard, public-private partnerships can play a major role in creating low-cost housing options for low-income families. Incentivising developers to invest in affordable housing and ensuring land is allocated for such projects can help meet the demand.

Secondly, the government should prioritise the regularisation and upgrading of existing slums. Providing basic services like clean water, electricity, and sanitation to these areas can significantly improve the quality of life for the residents. Engaging local communities in these efforts can also ensure that solutions are sustainable and tailored to their needs.

Another important step is to address the root causes of rural-to-urban migration by investing in rural development. Improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job opportunities in the rural areas can reduce the pressure on cities like Karachi. At the same time, effective urban planning is essential to ensure that future growth is well-managed. This includes enforcing zoning laws, developing mass transit systems, and creating green spaces to enhance the city’s liveability.

Lastly, developing partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international development agencies can provide additional resources and expertise. NGOs have played a significant role in addressing urban poverty and improving living conditions in Karachi’s informal settlements. Their efforts, combined with the government action, can create a comprehensive framework for tackling this issue.

Karachi’s slums and informal settlements reflect broader socioeconomic challenges faced by the city and the country. While the problem is complex, it is not insurmountable. With combined efforts involving all the stakeholders, Karachi can work towards becoming a city that provides a decent quality of life for all its residents, regardless of their economic background.

The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com