ISLAMABAD - The Slum dwellers (katchi abadis) in federal capital, mostly inhabited by sanitary workers, are without basic civic facilities.
These abadis are clusters of mud houses having no potable water, no proper drainage system, dilapidated streets and poor sanitation. These slums are located in sectors F-6/1, F-6/2, F-7/4, G-7/1, G-7/2, G-7/3, I-9, G-8/4 and I-10/3. Most of these katchi abadies are located on the banks of streams in the city.
Talking to APP, the slum dwellers said solid waste dumped into the stream and dead trees not only polluted the water but also blocked its flow creating problems for them, especially in monsoon.
They said the streams were full of solid waste as a large number of illegal sewerage connections ended in it.
The slum dwellers said stinking smell emanating from water of streams turned into sewerage nullahs had made their life miserable, as the polluted water was a breeding ground for a number of insects spreading deadly diseases.
A slum dweller said the resident of katchi abadis were facing various problems due to negligence of CDA.
Sahbaz Masih, a sanitary worker, said he earned a meager amount, which was not sufficient to feed even a small family.
“I want to send my kids to school but it’s unthinkable for me,” he said, adding, I have no option except to live in the slum area to make both ends meet.
When contacted CDA, an official said senior planners and representatives of the alliance would be held and finalise plans to move forward for regularisation of the katchi abadis.
“The residents must join hands with the CDA to make capital a cleaner city.”
“No municipality of the world can succeed to keep the city clean without the cooperation of the residents. Therefore, the residents of the capital should join hands to make it an exemplary city.
He also stated that our focus is on removing garbage heaps, construction material and other eyesores, which are ruining the capital’s beauty.