This is with reference to the City Nazim's directives "Monsoon emergency - City government sets up four zonal offices" (June 21). Various statements have appeared intermittently, almost in all the dailies, that comprehensive plans have been prepared to combat any exigency created by likely torrential rainfall.
I am a resident of Bath Island, which is considered to be the one of the few "fortunate" localities, because of its 'once better' social services, such as sanitation etc.
However, presently the scenario has totally changed. The roads of all the lanes are in shambles; dug up long ago for laying different utility connections which now have been forgotten and have now developed pot holes big enough to break the tyre rod of a vehicle.
Even a major double road, opposite the Bridge Store, dug a month ago, has been left uncovered which can become the cause of some serious accidents if not attended before the expected rains.
The condition of sanitation is at its worst due to the fast pace of construction. This island of tranquility, for the last few years, has been under severe attack of the builder's mafia. Despite the ban on construction of over two stories, multistoried buildings have been built, as a result not only congestion on the roads has increased, but with no proper refuse disposal, now every street is littered, creating a foul smell in the once fragrance air.
For the last few months the municipal trucks that used to collect the garbage, are no more visiting the site regularly, instead this job is left to the scavengers and the sweepers, who burn it in the early morning creating serious health problems for the residents.
The most serious condition of is the main drain leading towards the sea ie "Naher-e-Khayam" which is already overflows for it is completely choked with polythene bags and even in normal rains, create havoc by inundating the entire area with sewerage water.
I therefore, request the authorities concerned to take notice of the worsening situation immediately, so that the looming monsoon peril can pass without causing damage.