Roads drown as alerts fall on deaf ears

Despite repeated alerts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Government of Sindh, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board remains largely inactive, leaving residents across the city grappling with overflowing sewerage and disrupted daily life. Near Safari Park on University Road, stagnant sewage has persisted for several days, eventually spilling over to NEPA Chowrangi. The resulting congestion has severely affected traffic, making commuting a challenge for local residents. While in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, both main and internal streets have been submerged in foul water. Prolonged exposure to sewage has damaged roads, creating accident-prone zones and disrupting the city's traffic system. Residents told The Express Tribune that despite filing multiple complaints, KWSB teams have yet to arrive to address drainage issues. Stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, raising the risk of disease and endangering community health. Children commuting to schools and colleges face particular difficulties, as waterlogged roads hinder safe passage. Locals also raised concerns that many important educational institutions and universities lie along these affected routes, yet the area continues to be neglected. Adding to residents' woes, ongoing construction work for the Red Line BRT project is generating dust and smoke, aggravating respiratory problems and exposing citizens to a double burden of environmental hazards. Community members are demanding urgent repair of the sewerage system, immediate drainage solutions, and subsequent road restoration, urging authorities to prevent further health and traffic crises.