IN the 21st century one can hardly imagine a scenario where vehicles inch through a narrow road made as an alternative route across a riverbed. But the people of Hub have been practically having such an adventure on a daily basis. Surely, it is out of compulsion; not choice.
Since the collapse of the main bridge that once connected Balochistan with Sindh’s capital city, Karachi, commuters from and to Karachi have been left to fend for themselves when it comes to crossing the riverbed.
The alternative route is narrow, dusty and bumpy (as can be seen in the accompanying picture by Ayaz Khan), and is only meant for light traffic. However, with the tacit approval of personnel belonging to law-enforcement agencies, drivers of heavy vehicles have been using the route from the very first day. It is quite apparent that the law-enforcers are not among those praying for an early end to the repair work related to the bridge that collapsed during the last monsoon.
The dusty road is actually their highway to quick material gains. The road is in need of getting some semblance of a half-decent, built-up shape, but the ‘business’ opportunity is too big for too many to be squandered just like that, it seems.
Long and heavy vehicles frequently break down on the dirt track, for it is in no position to handle such massive weight and caves in. The route also has spots with inclination so steep that even cars, auto rickshaws and motorcycles struggle to surmount them. It is at these spots that dumper trucks, coaches and long vehicles mostly break down. This naturally causes severe and frequent traffic jams. But, then, who cares?
In such a scenario, students, office-goers and patients suffer every single day. Students reach their institutions late, while patients undergo interminable suffering. I wonder if someone somewhere is in a position — and willing — to do something about this whole sordid affair. For starters, it would be nice if this route is dedicated, as per the initial plan, to light traffic alone, leaving the rest to use the bypass.
NAVEED AHMED
AWARAN
