August 31st, 2020
By Sher-e-Azam
KARACHI;
Residents of DHA Karachi organized a sit-in against the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) on Monday, over alleged mismanagement and carelessness of CBC and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) administrations following record rains in the city.
“My house was flooded with sewage water after the rain because the sewage line of our block overflowed. We were forced to live in extremely unhygienic conditions because the CBC did not fulfill its administrative responsibilities”, says protestors Mona Jamal.
Frustrated residents chanted slogans against the CBC and also pelted stones at the CBC office.
“We do not want to create unrest but the situation has forced us out of our homes. The CO should at least come out of his office and listen to our grievances”, says Imran Ahmad while pointing at the CBC headquarter.
“Water flooded our basement ruining our furniture and other household appliances. The CBC collects literally millions in tax revenue every year. Where is all this money going?”, asks resident Laiba.
While talking to voicepk.net citizens alleged that the floods caused by these excessive rains have destroyed their life savings. Moreover, CBC and DHA administrations failed to clear the residential area even after 5 days.
“There are no functional stormwater drains in DHA. For this reason, such large amounts of water have collected in the area,” laments Areeba Zaman, a resident of DHA.
Residents explain that the sole reason they moved to such expensive housing societies is the comfort they have to offer. If the society cannot hold up its end of the bargain, then paying such lavish amounts for these societies is futile.
“I am a supporter of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party and I want to call out the president. Arif Alvi who was elected from our locality, I attended his corner meetings. Where is he now?” asks a frustrated Sadaf.
Residents also claimed that the rains had severely disrupted the supply of electricity and gas to the entire area. Some residents even complained of an absence of clean drinking water in the locality.
Protestors state that since all of them have cleared their bills the provision of these amenities under all circumstances is the responsibility of the DHA administration.
“The devastation of Karachi has finally reached the city’s posh areas. All the political parties and institutions have failed to resolve the issues of the common man”, says protestor Hassan Kamal.
“We have written to FBR and other government departments several times informing them of our reservations but to no avail”, says Noor Ahmed President Defence and Clifton Association of real estate agents (DEFCLAREA).
Angered citizens claim that the DHA and CBC authorities are corrupt entities and have failed to fulfill their most basic responsibilities.
“The recent flooding has adversely impacted people from all socio-economic backgrounds. Officials of all institutions have become corrupt and inaccessible. A course correction is required otherwise people of the entire city will unite against the ruling classes”, comments activist Jibran Nasir.
