KARACHI, May 2: Inadequate infrastructure, frequent power breakdowns, ever-increasing number of stray dogs, mushrooming extension of houses and deteriorating sanitary conditions are a few of the major causes of perennial discomfort and hardships for the residents of Metroville III in Gulshan-i-Iqbal.

Residents of the area complained that lack of proper attention by the concerned quarters has resulted in the considerable multiplication of their woes and sufferings.

They specially pointed out that the menace of dog-bites has recently gone up, adding to the problems of the inhabitants as the authorities have turned a blind eye to the situation. Several complaints in this regard have failed to elicit any response from the concerned officers who appear to be totally oblivious to the whole situation, they added.

“It seems we live in a no-man’s-land, as the locality lacks even the basic necessities of life and which reflects on the negative approach of the civic agencies to redress the miseries of the masses. An increasing number of stray dogs are causing hardships to the aged, children and womenfolk,” a woman residing in the locality complained.

The area is located off Abul Hasan Ispahani Road, comprising people from the middle class.

A teacher, Rahim Afridi, said that constant power breakdowns, specially during the night, have multiplied the problems of the area people. Unannounced loadshedding, in addition to uncovered manholes and spillage of dirty water on the streets, have given rise to mosquitoes, causing the spread of epidemics in the locality such as malaria.

An aged area inhabitant expressed resentment over the menace of unchecked and unlawful extension of houses which has reduced the original width of the streets and lanes.—PPI