IT was surprising to see political activists and even some leaders visiting the Old Golimar area recently after years of neglect. Actually, it was not surprising because they were simply going through the motions of being ‘concerned’ and ‘caring’ because of the local bodies elections in the city. For years, if not decades, the area has suffered from official neglect and utter mismanagement with regard to the provision and sustenance of civic amenities.

For starters, pipelines that are part of the K-III water supply project, scheduled to be completed in 2006, have still not been laid in the area on account of what the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) officials tell the people ‘small problems’. The matter of the occupation of Gutter Baghicha by the land-grabbers and the authorities’ total disregard is also there for all to see.

Meanwhile, over the years, drug and criminal gangs have made this area their home, having a bad influence over the area’s youth who fall prey to their anti-social activities.

Every time there is some kind of election in the offing, political leaders come to the vicinity seeking votes and making all kinds of promises. The locals clearly are mere pawns in the great game of acquiring seats in this legislature or that.

It is about time those in power realised that it is the public that votes them into office, and, when neglected and deprived of their rights, it can also use their vote to throw them out of their coveted positions.

Saleem Ghani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2022