KARACHI, Feb 14: The inhabitants of areas around the port health department offices in Keamari have expressed their deep concern over the unhygienic conditions in their localities.

During a visit to the area, the road along the port health department was found in dilapidated condition. People said overflowing gutters particularly during rains had not only ruined the road but also put their health at risk.

The hospital staff said they were unable to drive on such a rough road, which had developed deep ditches and potholes. Dr Lachman Das said most of the patients complained of respiratory tract infections and skin diseases due to the unhygienic conditions prevailing in the locality. Another doctor said they had time and gain approached the authorities concerned of Keamari Town in this regard, but to no avail.

According to the World Health Organisation’s international health regulations every port and its peripheral areas in 400 meters must have an environment free of rodents and other diseases carrying vectors, they said regretting that the situation was altogether different in Keamari. They said they had been facing the problem for the last 20 years and the successive governments had never paid any heed to their complaints.

Some residents of the area, Mohammad Iqbal, Imtiaz and Mohammad Fazil, told this scribe that the overflowing sewage was a serious problem as most of the manholes were without lids. They said those offering prayers in Masjid Alafdin had to pass through stinking water accumulated at its main entrance.

Besides, they said, the movement of heavy machinery, long vehicles and tankers had worsened the situation. The footpaths dug up for laying telephone cables had been left abandoned and people have to walk on road putting their life at risk.