Dual control of Gulistan-e-Jauhar

Gulistan-e-Jauhar (KDA Scheme-36) of Karachi, a huge area of total 20 blocks widely populated by over 1.5 million citizens both horizontally in general and vertically in particular of hundreds of high-rise buildings, is under the dual administrative control of the Cantonment Board Faisal (CBF) and the City District Government (CDGK) of Karachi.
While the CBF charges 'Property and Conservancy Taxes'; the CDGK realises the 'Water, Sewerage and fire taxes' from citizens residing in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Despite the fact the residents are religiously paying all taxes to both the concern agencies; it is very ironical that neither CDGK nor CBF own their respective responsibility and both are depriving residents of basic civic amenities in return.
In whole of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, the major portions of main roads are lying damaged, service roads cracked, footpath spoiled, traffic islands broken with trespassing, underground sewerage lines chocked and leaking with dirty water stranded on roads and around residential areas, greenery dried-up, heaps of garbage scattered all over, improper conservancy, irregular disposal of waste, large encroachments here and there
The root cause of spoiling the infrastructure of road links is the anciently laid down under ground sewerage lines chocked to capacity, filling of uncovered gutter lines by waste material, open drainage holes paving opportunities of throwing garbage into it by unsocial elements causing blockage in flow of sewerage water and above all their improper, irregular cleaning and inattention of KW&SB.
Consequent to complete blockage of underground lines, the sewerage water bursts out at short distances on roads, streets and at several other locations around residential areas; washing away portions of roads, traffic islands and footpaths and caused cracks and holes filled with dirty water. Any grave situation was cosmetically repaired with cheap material without keeping in view its long lasting duration by eliminating the root cause.
The President of Pakistan inaugurated the opening of K-3 water project in June-2006 with promise for daily and sufficient water supply to whole of Karachiities. But most ironically, the residents of the Gulistan-e-Jauhar are being deprived of water facilities by K-3 project and the supply of water to most of the flats complexes still comes only on alternate days of the week instead of daily and even no water on some days. But the KW&SB is arbitrarily charging residents the daily supply of water without installing 'water meters' in main supply lines to read and charge the actual quantum of water supplied in its monthly water bills; which is highly injudicious.
The digged, damaged and bulldozed roads are in so pathetic conditions that the citizens avoid driving their cars through this area. If any body drives, he has to sustain and suffer the physical and financial losses to himself and his vehicle. The public transport companies like the Green Bus Service and others have suspended their route service through Jouhar Square.
Jouhar square in block-18 is the center point of Jouhar, providing transit links to huge vehicular traffic in all four directions of various destinations in the city. This round about is occupying a huge portion amid roads, requiring its reduction to bare minimum space with installation of 'Traffic Signal' around and posting of traffic cops to control smooth flow of traffic and minimise accidents.
The 'Conservancy services' from the Cantonment Board Faisal (CBF) are very poor, irregular and improper. The CBF has restricted the payment of its tax bills on only and one NBP (COD BR) while the residency of million of citizens under CBF jurisdiction is spread over a huge area of Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
Despite lack of civic amenities and improper services, the CBF has suddenly increased 20% ARV in both the 'House and Conservancy taxes' retrospectively from 01-07-2005 and incorporated unjustified arrears in the bill of fiscal year 2006-07.
Lots of 'Encroachments' exist on several main roads and service roads, causing blockage in flow of traffic and dirtiness creating environmental hazards. The irony of residents of Gulistan-e-Jauhar is that neither the CDGK nor CBF are providing basic civic amenities.
In view of above facts, the existing dual control of Gulistan-e-Jauhar by CDGK & CBF, Karachi may kindly be ended by entrusting entire responsibility either to CBF or CDGK.
In case, it is not at present feasible and requires some time to end the twin control of Gulistan-e-Jauhar; the City Nazim and the Executive Officer, Cantonment Board Faisal may kindly be directed to ensure the discharge of duties on their assigned responsibilities without playing the blame game on each other.