KARACHI, May 17: Though a major source of revenue generation, the coastal areas of Karachi are constantly being ignored. Even basic facilities like potable water, electricity, health, etc., are not available in these areas which may become a potential source of revenue through fisheries products, entertainment projects and sporting events.

The residents of coastal areas are mainly fishermen who have been facing numerous problems for many years but the provincial government and civic agencies have not been taking any action to provide relief and resolve their problems.

Much of about 1,200-km coastal belt of the country is underdeveloped with limited job opportunities and sources of earning for locals who are mainly of Sindh and Balochistan origin.

They usually have to walk through a long distance to fetch water from wells along the dry river bed or buy tanker water.

The other main problems faced by these people are lack of health and education facilities.

According to Dr Suleman Otho of city government, many people, especially women and children, even in the coastal areas of Karachi, die due to inadequate health facilities.

The Nazim of Union Council Gapopat, Keamari Town, Mubarak Singo, who is also a resident of coastal areas, deplored that doctors and paramedics did not like to be posted in these area. Besides, he pointed out, most of the government schools in these areas were in a shambles.

He said that the town administration had offered cooperation to the health department, despite the coastal areas falling in the jurisdiction of the city government, but no improvement was brought about in health facilities.

Authorities must ensure continued livelihood for the inhabitants of the coastal areas by developing beaches and adjoining areas, especially villages, as well as promoting tourism and providing the much needed basic facilities.—PPI