Displaced families urge releasing financial assistance at once

The families affected by the anti-encroachment operation along the Gujjar and Orangi storm water drains have voiced concerns over the non-payment of the promised compensation, demanding immediate government action.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, representatives from the Urban Resource Centre, Caritas Karachi and displaced families urged the authorities to fulfil their commitments and release the financial assistance without further delay.

They said 6,932 affectees of the Orangi Nullah have started receiving cheques following a Supreme Court order. Along with the cheques, the affectees are to be allotted 80-square-yard plots. However, they expressed concern that delays in the allotment process can lead to increased construction costs, making it difficult for the affected families to build their houses.

Another major concern they highlighted was the location of the allocated plots, which are situated beyond the Northern Bypass near the Hamdard University. They asked how residents from densely populated areas such as the Gujjar Nullah and Orangi Nullah areas can be relocated to remote, undeveloped areas lacking basic amenities and infrastructure.

They also said that despite repeated assurances, many families are still without compensation, leaving them in financial distress. The government had pledged financial aid for those displaced by the demolition of illegal structures along storm water drains, yet many cheques issued to the affectees have not been cleared.

Expressing frustration, the affectees called upon the Sindh government, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and other relevant authorities to ensure the immediate disbursement of funds. They warned that if their demands are not met, they would be left with no choice but to hold protests and take further action.

They demanded that the provincial government clearly identify the location of the plots and provide essential infrastructure, including roads, transport, utility lines, mosques, community centres, graveyards, hospitals and schools. They also called for forming a committee comprising officials from the relevant government departments to resolve their concerns.

Additionally, the affectees demanded that grants or interest-free loans be provided to help them rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods. They urged the authorities to stand by their commitments and provide immediate relief to the displaced families, stressing the need for urgent intervention to resolve their issues.