THE newly-opened branch of a superstore near Moti Mahal, Gulshan Chowrangi, Karachi has become a nuisance for residents of the area. This superstore’s management has remained faithful to their legacy of not having any parking lot built and using the main roads at the cost of the taxpayer and other road users. Earlier a branch of the same superstore opened near the Jail Chowrangi and traffic is a problem in the area for the same reason.

Besides this superstore chain, there is another big supermarket located on the intersection of Sirajud Daula Road and Shaheed-i-Millat that sees perpetual traffic congestion owing to haphazard parking on main Shaheed-i-Millat and in the service lanes. At least six major high-rises are fast coming up within a two-furlong radius which will add to the chaos.

My point is that these superstores have come up in the last few years. Why have their managements not provided proper parking lots? How did the city authorities allow these stores to open when there is no planned parking to cater for the thousands of customers who daily patronise these establishments? And why is the government doing nothing? Meanwhile since I happen to pass by two of these superstores daily, I can say with full authority that the traffic congestion is getting worse.

The broad roads and wide lanes were not constructed to facilitate parking. They are meant to help maintain the smooth flow of traffic.

Kiran Imtiaz Malik

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2016