Karachi’s housing sector is facing a severe crisis due to a lack of essential utilities like water, electricity, and gas, leaving thousands of new housing developments and settlements uninhabited, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor stated on Sunday.
Shakoor revealed in a statement that substantial investments made by residents in these new housing projects are rendered useless due to the absence of basic amenities. Numerous houses and apartments stand completed in these developments, but remain vacant due to the lack of utility connections. These new settlements, primarily located in suburban areas such as Gadap, Hawksbay, Northern Bypass, Superhighway, and Surjani, urgently require government intervention to address the pressing need for water, electricity, gas, and public transportation.
He cited Scheme 42 Hawksbay as a prime example of governmental neglect, criticizing the Lyari Development Authority (LDA) for its failure to develop the large scheme despite nearly two decades. He accused the LDA of pervasive corruption, leaving the allottees of Scheme 42 victims of its inefficiency. He demanded the removal of senior LDA officials and their replacement with competent and honest officers. He emphasized that the allottees, who have invested their life savings in Scheme 42, deserve better treatment.
Providing utility connections to these new housing projects would benefit countless families and significantly stimulate Karachi”s economy, Shakoor argued. This would also alleviate congestion in the central areas of Karachi and enhance the city”s overall appearance. He advocated for new bus routes to serve these suburban regions for improved commuter access.
Shakoor questioned the government”s claims of surplus electricity and water while new meter installations are denied and the water tanker mafia thrives. This discrepancy, he asserted, highlights governance failures. He contrasted this with the Punjab government”s effective service delivery, criticizing the Sindh government for its performance marred by corruption and lack of professionalism.
Shakoor urged the KE, Water Board, Sui Gas officials, and the Sindh government to immediately provide utility connections to the new settlements. He also called upon the LDA to expedite development work in Scheme 42 to make it habitable promptly. He concluded that addressing the utility needs of Karachi”s new housing schemes could effectively double the megacity”s economy.