Rana Umair
With the start of a new spell of monsoon rains, the capital roads are inundated and rainwater has created ditches and potholes.
Despite tall claims of readiness and advance preparedness in the wake of monsoon warnings by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the civic authorities have failed to deal with the situation.
Rainwater has gathered on multiple roads and streets in Islamabad. Water lodging is causing massive trouble for citizens in the federal capital. In G7/2 potholes are filled with water causing difficulty and risk for bikers, cars, and pedestrians. Water lodging and potholes are slowing down the traffic, increasing the risk of accidents, filth and, of course, bad view. Citizens of the capital city face such issues in rainy season every year and hope that next year will be better but every year is the same
Most of the embassies of foreign countries are situated in the capital as well as many foreigners are residing in Islamabad. Such negligence not only causes problems for these foreigners to perform their duties, but also paints a bad image of the country in the eyes of the expats. The government needs to take appropriate actions on grounds to solve such issues, which citizens and expats face at the arrival of monsoon season every year.
The pedestrian crossing bridge in front of ZTBL is practically not usable for people as there is water lodging in front of the crossing bridge. NDMA has issued the warning of floods but the cleaning of nullahs remains to be done.
Ahmad Ali, a motorcyclist, said: “Two-wheelers have to drive very carefully near the potholes filled with water to avoid any mishap and to save their own self from dirty water lodged in potholes”.
Waqas, a resident, said: “Authorities really need to seek a permanent solution for this issue”
Pakistan Today talked to the CDA spokesperson He said CDA has formed a flood relief center at the headquarters of Capital Development Authority. The helpline of flood relief center is 163 and there is a regular PTCL number for citizens to call and launch their complaints, he said. He added that the flood relief center is equipped to deal with sanitation issues, water lodging or potholes caused by rain.
