KARACHI: A single monsoon spell brought much of the city to a standstill, as rainwater inundated inner streets and paths, exposing the weakness of the city’s infrastructure.
Overflowing drains and still water made movement nearly impossible in many neighborhoods, leaving residents overwhelmed by foul odors and flooded streets.
The city’s civic systems struggled to cope, with the administrations of all 25 towns falling short in providing timely assistance.
In many areas, piles of uncollected trash have added to the chaos, once again spotlighting the inefficiency of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB).
While some main roads remained functional, inner-city areas faced severe damage. Roads collapsed or were badly damaged in places like Korangi’s Qayyumabad, where reports showed parts of streets breaking apart.
Similar problems were seen in Shah Faisal Colony, Mahmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Admin Society, Old City Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, New Karachi, North Karachi, Surjani Town, Baldia Town, and Orangi Town, where rainwater and broken surfaces have made many streets nearly unusable.
Garbage growth in localities such as Gulberg, Nazimabad, and Malir has only worsened the post-rain crisis. The rain has not only highlighted the lack of preparation by civic authorities but has also deepened the struggle for residents, with the monsoon season expected to last until September.
A section of Liaquat Ali Khan Road in Model Colony has become symbolic of Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure. Long-standing delays in development, a lack of coordination between departments, and the latest rain have left the road in ruins.
Part of it caved in after recent pipeline digging by Sui Southern Gas Company, and the situation deteriorated further with a sewage system failure that flooded the area with filthy, stagnant water.