Poor drainage disrupt business activities on Karachi’s Marston Road

Karachi: Commercial activities on Marston Road, a busy area housing Gul Plaza and several other shopping plazas, are being severely affected due to poor sanitation and open drainage systems.

Dialogue Pakistan under its initiative 'Karachi Aisa Nahi Tha', visited Marston Road to highlight the problems.

Traders and local residents talking to DP said that roads in the area are covered with sewage water, while gutters remain uncovered, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and motorists.

According to shopkeepers, the situation has remained unresolved for several years despite repeated complaints. Due to the accumulation of sewage water and potholes filled with dirty water, it has become difficult to distinguish between flooded areas and open drains.

As a result, several people, including motorcyclists, have reportedly fallen into gutters, and locals have had to rescue many victims.

Business owners say that the open gutters, lack of proper drainage covers, and damaged roads have badly impacted trade.

A rickshaw driver stated that drivers face daily problems due to stagnant sewage water, adding that neither government authorities nor relevant departments appear to be addressing the issue.

Traders claim that more than 5,000 shops and multiple shopping malls operate in the area, yet no effective action has been taken by the authorities.

Due to unsanitary conditions and waterlogged roads, customers avoid visiting the markets, leading to financial losses for shopkeepers.

Affected traders and residents have urged the concerned authorities to take immediate notice of the situation, cover open gutters, and restore proper drainage to ensure public safety and revive commercial activity in the area.