[sustran] Re: FW: EVICTION ALERT APPEAL re Expressway in Kara chi

[Paul Barter]

EVICTION ALERT APPEAL FROM POOR COMMUNITIES OF LYARI NADI (river) IN
KARACHI, PAKISTAN.
Update 28 January

Talks between government and community leaders were failure. Government is
not interested in further negotiations on this subject and justifying its
actions through state powers.

During the talks the communities presented the following demands;

1. Ensure transparency in this process, exhibit the plan and hold citywide
forums to discuss this issue.

2. Form a committee, which prepare a resettlement plan. Ensure proper
participation of victims in this committee.

3. Resettle all effected families in the same area in the remaining land
along Expressway; (note government presetly is considering selling this land
to the builders for commercial purposes).

 4. Increase the compensation money up to the actual value of the properties

 5. Develop a timeframe and cost for resettlement plan.

All these demands are rejected and the bulldozing operation will resume any
time now.

Meanwhile communities have released their update survey results of
effectees;

 - Housing units        25400

- Total number of families    77000

- Total population    203200 (including 54 male & 46 females)

- Shops/commercial units   3600 

- Religious places    146

- Schools                110

- Total number children,  

 Who loose heir final exams this year             20,000

(All these settlements have basic inrastructure like water supply, sewerage,
electricity etc.)

Now the communities (who are now loosing their faith and hope) have no
choice except to take law in order in their hands. But the most of
communities still believes the talks and negotiations are only way out to
this issue. They are spending all nights in chasing the city government
reprehensive for talks. 

Efforts are being made to bring the government on talk table; your appeal
faxes are helping a lot in regard. More faxes can further delay the
bulldozing operation. Also send a copy of your fax to URC Karachi for follow
up. We are also giving a copy of your fax to communities, who are highly
grateful for your support.  

For more details please visit web site www.urckarachi.org


Regards

_____________________________
Urban Resource Centre
3/48 Mualimabad Jamal uddin Afghani Road off Khalid Bin Walid Road Karachi
74800 Pakistan 
Tel 92 21 4559275 Fax 92 21 4384288
E-mail urckhi at hinet.net.pk
Web site www.urckarachi.org
and www.achr.net