Above map shows Sharah-e-Humayun, the road that leads from Ziauddin Hospital roundabout to KDA roundabout in North Nazimabad Block F. There are at least ten school campuses situated at this road, with thousands of students, from pre-nursery to A’Levels, and their parents and guardians, commuting to and from the road, not to mention the buses and usual lot of traffic.
The same road is under construction since almost a month now. The work that started from construction of a CNG station right next to Ziauddin Hospital (God knows who gave permission for such a lethal act) has extended to Shahrah-e-Humayun. The sewerage pipe, that bifurcated the road in two, has been dug open and the road is supposedly widen up.
However, the city government of Karachi is apparently unaware of the fact that they have placed thousands of students under serious risk of health and safety hazards. The construction, rather demolition, work is going on without taking any protection for the sake of the humans around the place. One can see excavators, bulldozers, dumpers and other heavy vehicles go on full swing, pulling piles of debris at every nook and corner, spilling sewerage water and waste on the road, and jamming traffic for hours at end. All of this happening while the authorities are sleeping soundly in their air conditioned offices.
Unfortunately the schools located on the road, including Beaconhouse, Foundation Public, Generation’s etc, have done nothing so far. They have failed to convince the authorities to at least not work during school hours. Also, no guidelines, instructions or information is provided to the parents on how to deal with this miserable situation.
Due to the criminal negligence by Karachi City Government as well as the schools at Shahrah-e-Humayun, thousands of children are exposed to severe health and safety risks while commuting to and from their schools. For others, its business as usual.
Cross posted at Chowrangi.com
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