ainab Bibi, a resident of Latifabad, Hyderabad, vividly remembers the polling day. She woke up early in the morning, got ready and set out with her neighbours to cast her vote. Zainab Bibi had definite expectations from these elections.

She wanted her vote to lay the foundation for a better future for her city. She dreamed of a city where there would be no lack of public amenities, a well-functioning transport system and lush green parks in every neighborhood where women and children could spend pleasant time.

Zainab Bibi recalls that she participated in these elections with full dedication, hoping that Hyderabad’s future would improve. Her greatest wish was for the city’s infrastructure to be better. Potholed city roads and absence of public transport were making life difficult for its residents.

Currently, Hyderabad has 12 operational buses under the People’s Bus Service project, serving 10,000-15,000 passengers daily. However, this service is limited to major roads. It does not cover areas like Latifabad and Qasimabad.

This means that people, especially women of these areas have to rely on rickshaws. Rickshaws are an expensive mode of transport, often unaffordable for working women and students, making mobility even more difficult.

Zainab Bibi says, “The public bus service we have doesn’t serve our areas. We need another means to even get to the main roads. Rickshaws, which are the only viable option, are expensive.”

Hyderabad previously has a Pink Bus Service for women. It was discontinued after a while. The Pink Bus route was also limited, like the People’s Bus Service, to certain areas. To reach the bus route, women had to rely on other transport, mostly rickshaws.

Zainab Bibi and other residents of the underserved areas also face other challenges. The biggest issues include encroachments on public roads. Solving this problem is nominally the responsibility of the local administration.

Zainab Bibi says the streets of Hyderabad are in a state of utter disrepair. After every rain, water often accumulates on the roads, causing difficulties for the pedestrians and the vehicular traffic alike. “We need road repairs and a functioning transport system. Where will we get these from?” she asks.

Zainab Bibi’s story reflects the lives of thousands of women in Hyderabad. During the election campaigns, they were promised a better future. Six months later they are still waiting for the improvements in their city.

Zainab Bibi says, “We voted for change. We don’t see that change. We want our representatives to take responsibility and solve our problems so that our city can become a better place.”

Hyderabad has six Provincial Assembly and three National Assembly constituencies. The News on Sunday tried to speak with Sabir Qaimkhani from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Jabbar Khan from the Pakistan People Party about these issues, but failed to elicit a response.

Zainab Bibi’s complaint is a reflection of the fact that not all electoral promises are fulfilled. The voters are frequently left waiting for these promises to be realised. Will the government and the elected representatives fulfill their promises this time or will these hopes be shttered?

The writer is a  freelance contributor