KARACHI – Residents of Essa Nagri, one of Karachi’s most underprivileged areas, are actively participating in a transformative initiative to address water and sewerage issues in their community.
This initiative is part of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), funded by the World Bank (WB). The project aims to rehabilitate the deteriorating infrastructure of Karachi’s informal settlements and involves the construction of a large water tank in Essa Nagri to improve access to clean drinking water.
Additionally, new sewerage lines will be installed to address the area’s chronic drainage problems. The project also prioritizes social mobilization.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) committees have been established to empower residents. These committees will be integrated into a strengthened Community-Based Organization (CBO) responsible for managing and maintaining these improvements.
As the WASH committees evolve into a CBO, residents will have increased empowerment to advocate for their needs and oversee the ongoing infrastructure improvements. This approach is being acknowledged as a potential model for sustainable development in other underserved areas of Karachi.
During a recent visit to Essa Nagri, Kamran Akbar from the World Bank and Hameeda Kaleem from KWSSIP engaged with residents to discuss the project’s progress and gather feedback. Residents from the adjacent Welfare Colony also attended, contributing their perspectives on the critical issues. The atmosphere was one of unity and optimism, as community members expressed their commitment to driving positive change while voicing their concerns.
“We believe in working together to bring positive change to our community,” stated one resident. “For years, we’ve struggled with water shortages and sewerage problems, but now we feel that real solutions are within reach with our voices being heard.” Residents articulated their frustrations regarding the deteriorating state of their water and sanitation systems, urging project officials to expedite construction efforts and ensure smooth, hazard-free implementation.
Residents emphasized the urgency of the situation by calling for the prompt construction of water tanks. They highlighted that contaminated water is causing diseases, ultimately taking precious lives. Additionally, they pointed out that environmental issues are creating further hurdles, complicating their efforts to secure a healthy living environment.
Kamran Akbar requested that residents provide a comprehensive history of the area’s water and sewerage issues to better inform the project’s approach. Akbar praised the commitment of the WASH committees, emphasizing their vital role in ensuring the project addresses the community’s genuine needs. “The involvement of residents in shaping and overseeing these improvements will make this project successful in the long term,” he affirmed.
As the project progresses, residents have expressed gratitude for the support they are receiving and remain hopeful for swift advancements. “This project is giving us a chance to change our future,” said another community member. “We’re optimistic that life in Essa Nagri will improve for everyone with the new water and sewerage systems.”
Like many informal settlements across Karachi, Essa Nagri has faced significant challenges in accessing essential services. However, the KWSSIP project has instilled a renewed sense of ownership among residents regarding their community’s future. The WASH committees, consisting of dedicated local volunteers, have worked tirelessly to highlight their issues and collaborate with officials to find sustainable solutions.
