Malir residents face multiple problems

KARACHI: Malir district of Karachi has been political hub of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) since 90s but majority of its residents are facing problems of clean drinking water, sewerage, shortage of hospitals, maternity homes and schools, The News has learnt.

Last year, United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) reported that 75% of population in rural areas of Malir lived in abject poverty.

Despite being in Karachi, rural areas of Malir district face bad governance and unconsciousness of political leadership. Majority of people do not have access to drinkable water. Six people died during three days in Khair Muhammad Khaskheli near Darsano Chano, Union Council Gaddap. As a result, no male member remained alive in 15 families which created panic.

The deceased include Hasina wife of Noor Hassan, Meenh Wasayo, Seemi wife of Chakar Khaskheli, Gul Muhammad, Muhammad Umar and a minor Asghar son Muhammad Hanif Khaskheli. Ten more people of same Khair Muhammad Khaskheli village have been hospitalised.

"We have approached elected representatives, local authorities but in vain. Local doctors have diagnosed diseases like Hepatitis-B-C, cancer, cardiac ailments, TB, and other diseases," said Abdul Rashid Gabol, a community elder.

The village has 500 households and is being badly ignored by the government. Though exact cause of deaths was not yet ascertained, local people claimed that it was due to contaminated water and lack of basic civic facilities. People of almost 50 villages in Gadap Town, Malir get water for drinking and domestic use through tube-wells. Underground water has turned contaminated due to many reasons.

Local people complained that their MPA Sajid Jokhio who is also the vice chairman of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board has assured the community elders of arrangement for water. Jokhio told The News his party has brought positive changes in the lives of people of Malir.

He said that he and other elected members had residences between the people and not a single MPA or MNA of area has residence out of Malir or in any posh area. Jokhio said there were two technical colleges, four high secondary schools and hospitals in the area.