RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Lingering traffic jams are witnessed a matter of routine on the Main University Road between Safoora Chowrangi, Karachi University and from Safoora Chorangi to Kiran Hospital, as both tracks of these busy roads are badly broken and need urgent repair.

This battered roads being used by hundreds of thousands of Karachiites daily but it is yet to be repaired for the reasons better known to the KMC and DMC East bosses.

The Mosmiyat section of the Main University Road is damaged due to leaking water and choked gutter lines.

The tall claims by the government in serving the people of Karachi and improving civic infrastructure of the city; however, this pot-holed road tells loud and clear about the actual performance of the Sindh government departments and agencies.

The Sindh Local Government Department, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the District Municipal Corporation (DMC) East, have long been ignoring this major road of the metropolis, which continues to remain in a very pathetic shape, and has become a source of trouble and anguish for citizens, motorists and commuters.

Although several TV Channels and newspapers run stories on the condition University Road still the civic authorities have failed to repair this very busy stretch of University Road, which is heavily damaged due to potholes and cracks.

To make matters worse, dozens of roadside eateries, hundreds of pushcarts and roadside vendors continue to occupy the footpaths along this road, near the Mosimiyat area.

These encroachments are causing even graver problems for the citizens. Recently, the KMC had carried out an encroachment removal drive. However, the roadside intrusions re-emerged as soon as the anti-encroachment staff left the field. Ironically, the amenity spaces for parks are also been invaded by these eateries and food vendors, yet the KMC has not taken any action against them.

The road also links the city to the Malir Cantonment and Jinnah International Airport. Hence, the provision of an alternative approach to the Super Highway alongside its immediate repair and reconstruction is not only necessary to facilitate the citizens of East Karachi, but also to serve millions of Karachiites, presently using this road to move towards the airport and the Super Highway.