SUMMARY
Rural-urban migration and the consequent proliferation of katchi abadis in a city such as Karachi can, in a nutshell, be explained by the process of Rapid Industrialization.
Three reasons why Karachi experienced the above phenomenon were:
- Karachi was a business centre
- Karachi was a port city
- Karachi was once the capital city
Hence it became the focus of education and skilled development.
Karachi had more Blue and White collar labor force. As industries grew, so did the demand for semi-skilled workers.
This lead to the invitation of such workers from surrounding areas- NWFP etc.
Unfortunately, the government overlooked the basic requirements of such workers i.e. convenient housing, water, sewerage facilities etc.
The population growth in Karachi then grew exponentially.
This was also fueled by the ‘porous’ borders of Pakistan. ORANGI Redevelopment Scheme: (funded by World Bank)
Built up
units were made, but our planners forgot other needs such as Hospitals, transportation etc. This resulted in the people abandoning the units voluntarily.
METROVILLE: (early 70’s , Mid 60’s)
Half built up units
Good locations
But this project failed as the half units were bought and merged by the richer classes for erecting mansions. In this manner, the “needy” did not benefit, and the purpose of the project was defeated.
Meanwhile the problem became acute; Karkhanas grew and several industrial areas came into existence. Thus “juggis” sprang up near such areas.
Later, the ‘Site and Services’ concept was introduced by the World Bank (focus on Utility).
Announcements for housing projects such as Taisar Town were published in local newspapers; once again the “needy” could not benefit from such relief schemes as they were illiterate.
Also the balloting and allotting of plots lacked transparency. This it-self discouraged people.
Such projects usually took 10yrs to come into full effect.
To this day, plots remain empty; therefore housing stock never really grew.
Thus, INFORMAL
SETTLEMENTS came into being.
These were in the shape of
illegal plots located beside the legal government plots and had identical planning.
The illegal plots relied on the infrastructure (mainly electricity via kunda system).
But such settlements were at the mercy of corrupt government officials (reliance on bribery; often bulldozed).
Government then announced Malkana Hukook for Abadis erected before 1985, which in in-self was not a justified solution.
This gave rise to the “System of the People”. (i.e. they themselves developed small schools, clinics etc.)
4 Main ISSUES which caused illegal settlements:
- Lack of Affordability
- Time
- Hassle
- Targetting
Private sector, in addition to making no significant contribution to affordable housing, further worsened the situation due to fake schemes, false bookings and cheats.
60% of the population lives on the Rs 3000-7000 per month income bracket. How can a poor person, feeding a family of 6, then afford rent?
On average, one room costs Rs 1500 to rent.
Also note that expenses have rise, whereas income has not nearly as much.
The main housing issue is for the 60% group.
Attitudes of the wealthy -> speculative nature
capital flight
NEW APPROACH
Sequence of Development:
1. Security Land
2. Build necessary infrastructure
3. Housing (affordable)
4. People placement (help the needy retain aid)
More summaries about the ISSUES OF KARACHI