RECENTLY I visited the Umerkot city and observed a clutch of problems. I was astonished as to how a city with a rich history and identity is being ignored by elected leaders of the area and civil society.

Among the many problems are unclean streets, poor drainage and saltish water for consumption. People consume contaminated water, which causes vomiting, stomach pain, toothache, etc. While passing through the streets of Umerkot, I had doubts I was walking in the city of Emperor Akbar the Great who was supposed to love this land more than others did. Today the residents of Umerkot claim to have this historic land, but why do they not own this city? At the bus-stop, there is no comfortable waiting lounge for passengers who, like me, had to stay inside the old dirty waiting lounge. It seems the authorities and the business community have no interest in the city.

I appeal to the authorities concerned and others to ensure clean drinking water and a hygienic Umerkot. There is a need for bringing cleanliness and prosperity to the city.

Furqan Hyder Shaikh
Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2017