Heavy monsoon rains have become a regular feature in recent years owing to global climate change. The civic infrastructure of the metropolis especially that of the DHA, which lies at the tail end of the city, is fragile and does not have the capacity to absorb an enormous quantity of rain water.

The inadequate drainage system in some parts of the DHA proved disastrous during the 2007 monsoon rains when the city experienced an unprecedented 250 mm rainfall. As such, the DHA remained submerged under accumulated rain water for weeks.

The DHA and CBC staff, however, undertook the mammoth task of building a comprehensive drainage system in the area in accordance with a hurriedly formulated master plan so as to complete the project before the advent of following monsoon season. A drainage system was laid down at a cost of Rs2.2 billion in seven months' record time. This year during the cyclonic rains, the DHA's newly built drainage system worked with remarkable efficiency proving its efficacy. However, a few areas in the DHA where the new drainage system could not be extended due to paucity of funds/time suffered.

The DHA did not get any funding/support from any governmental/non governmental organisation to complete the project. It had coughed out the huge amount incurred on developing the drainage system out of other development heads.

The DHA also reminded that cost of drainage system was never included in the development charges paid by the residents/allottees of plots. It, therefore, had no option but to call for refurbishment charges from the residents to share the cost of the drainage system. The residents' associations vehemently opposed this.

The areas where the drainage system was not built would continue to be flooded in future if the drains were not built in those areas. The DHA insists that residents should share the cost for additional drainage system as it has no funds to build the same. The CBC has also shown its inability to take on the task due to paucity of funds.

We, the DHA Housewives Association, think that the residents' associations should enter into negotiations with the DHA with a positive approach to find a breakthrough including substantive concessions/waiving off the amount for the poor pensioners and widows. The cost of construction is increasing with each passing day; a negotiated settlement must be reached without wasting time. A stitch in time saves nine.

MRS SHAKILA MAHMOOD
Karachi