Sindh govt to uplift Karachi’s slums

The Sindh government’s ambitious efforts to uplift urban slum areas through the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) are showing remarkable results in Soba Nagar, a low-income neighborhood in Gulberg Town.

Once overlooked, Soba Nagar is now gaining attention for its transformation into a vibrant and unified community.

In recent months, this neighborhood has been featured in the media, not for the typical challenges of urban slums, but for the social revolution taking place under KWSSIP. The project, backed by the World Bank, focuses on upgrading water and sewerage infrastructure while fostering unity through social mobilization efforts. This approach is not only improving basic services but also bringing together diverse ethnic, political, and religious communities, turning the locality into a “guldasta” (bouquet) of harmony and progress.

Community engagement and transformation:

Nestled near Karachi’s historic Dastageer area, Soba Nagar is home to a rich mix of residents from different backgrounds. Under KWSSIP’s social mobilization campaign, the community has come together to address common issues, leading to the formation of 24 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Committees.

These committees provide a platform for residents to discuss their needs and collectively make decisions regarding water, sanitation, and other pressing social concerns.

The initiative, which began with WASH awareness sessions and community meetings, has now grown into a broader movement for community empowerment. As a result, the area’s residents, once isolated within fragmented groups, now collaborate and build bridges across differences, creating a sense of unity and collective responsibility.

Building social cohesion:

“KWSSIP’s social mobilization approach is not only improving the locality’s infrastructure but also strengthening social cohesion, interfaith harmony, and community solidarity,” said Syed Hassan Ahmad, a member of the KWSSIP team, during his recent visit to Soba Nagar. He also emphasized that they are witnessing a shift where people from diverse backgrounds are coming together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Ahmad also announced the upcoming formation of a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in the area, which will play an even greater role in local development. “This CBO will represent the community’s interests, not just in WASH-related issues but in broader socioeconomic matters. It will work toward empowering the residents by giving them ownership of their development journey,” he added.

The CBO is expected to be a driving force for improved health, education, and livelihoods in Soba Nagar, with a special focus on women and marginalized groups.

Behavior change and public health awareness:

On Friday, October 4, Kashif Siddiqui, who is leading the Behavior Change Communication (BCC) campaign, continued his efforts by distributing pamphlets and engaging with the community. He visited homes, shops, and spoke to pedestrians, raising awareness about water conservation, proper sanitation, hygiene, and preventive measures against viral diseases. A key objective is to ensure that the infrastructure improvements lead to lasting behavioral change and enhanced public health practices.

“We are on our way to strengthening Karachi’s slums, with the broad support of the Sindh government,” said Siddiqui adding that our aim is to transform these areas into self-sustaining communities that can thrive on their own.

A vision for Karachi’s slums:

The provincial government’s vision to transform Karachi’s slums into empowered and self-sufficient communities is becoming a reality. Through collective action, community involvement, and ongoing support, Soba Nagar and other neighborhoods are no longer just slums—they are symbols of progress, unity, and resilience.

The seeds of change planted by KWSSIP are blossoming, and the bouquet of transformation is spreading its fragrance of hope across Karachi.