KARACHI: The inability of the authorities to provide many of the citizens any respite, against unbearable stench and removal of various categories of animal waste, demands that people take upon themselves the responsibility to clean Karachi.
Citizens, with different social backgrounds, talking to APP on Friday said that most of the roads and lanes, along with the compound area of various residential projects, still remains a stark reminder of the obligation realised almost a week ago.
It was lamented that the city administration not only failed to ensure proper removal of waste but also bothered little to ensure spraying of powdered lime stone, and fumigation of the sites presenting a pathetic view across the metropolis.
“We the citizens are also equally responsible for the situation emerging as the precipice for the much-feared outbreak of serious health conditions in the metropolis,” said Alim Raza, a retired government employee.
“Why can we not manage to adequately wash and fumigate ourselves and our doorsteps, especially what falls within the boundary walls of our flats,” said Manahil, a secondary school teacher.
The two senior citizens held that many of the inhabitants of the metropolis are equally responsible for the situation in turning the environment pathetic and exposing a whole lot of people to a wide range of infections.
It was regretted that absolute indifference of the residents of many of the housing projects, be they apartments or bungalows, can particularly affect children as well as the aged population with poor immunities. “They could be the worst hit,” feared Manahil.
Dr Shahid Hasan, a known medical practitioner, said that it was time for citizens to realise the gravity of the situation and join hands to address it. “There is no denial of the fact that civic agencies cannot be absolved of their responsibilities,” he said in reply to a question emphasizing that conscientious citizens can get things done.
“They can always be more assertive and work with a positive frame of mind in getting things done,” he said. “It was the time that citizens joined hands and do their share of work, while simultaneously engaging concerned agencies and departments to deliver,” he concluded.
