KARACHI, Nov 25: Goods-carriers are still flouting the government’s orders regarding shifting of their business from the residential areas in the old city.

Despite the recent operation against the powerful mafia in the old city areas which comes under the jurisdiction of Saddar Town, a survey shows that a large number of transporters are still reluctant to move their business because of the existing warehousing facilities.

Residents said that the “successful operation” in the Saddar Town area should have been followed by an operation in Lyari Town which is the hub of transport activity.

When contacted, the Nazim of Lyari Town said, “the matter is under consideration and a decision would be taken considering all aspects of the issue.”

In a recent daring step, Saddar Town moved against the”powerful transport mafia” and launched a big operation to remove an illegal mini-truck stand on Chandbibi Road, Nankwara and placed girders at various places to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles in the localities.

Earlier in 1998, after a stern warning from the administration, nearly 80 percent transporters shifted their business to the new site, but their booking offices continued to operate on Mauripur Road.

Later, they demanded regularisation of their plots at the site. The administration succumbed to their pressure and accepted the demand.

Goods-carriers continue to operate in the residential areas of the old city. These areas are Nanakwara, Bimpura, Nankwara, Chandbibi Road, Lawrence Road, Lea Market and its adjoining areas including Salar Compound near CMS School on Nishtar Road.

They have turned the old city and its neighbouring areas of Lyari, Chawkiwara and Haat Chowk into warehousing and cargo-handling terminals.

This has congested the old city to an extent that much of this activity now takes place on footpaths and roads. These activities, due to lack of space, have also spilled over narrow streets of the localities, damaging the roads and other utility services.