Living in Fear: The Unattended Crisis of G-13 and G-14 Sectors, Islamabad

By: Amjad Jamal

The residents of G-13 and G-14 sectors of Islamabad are living in a state of utter despair and frustration. Despite paying hefty taxes, they are deprived of basic amenities and face numerous challenges in their daily lives. The sector is plagued by security concerns, water supply issues, illegal activities by builders, unregulated restaurant operations, and neglect by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA).

The security situation in G-13 is alarming, with a high crime rate that includes murders, armed robberies, and snatching. Over the past year, the sector has seen a 25% increase in reported crimes, with more than 30 cases of armed robbery and 10 incidents of homicide. The lack of surveillance and poorly managed security has made the residents vulnerable to criminal activities, especially at night. The sector is open and ungated, allowing criminals from nearby areas to enter and commit crimes with impunity. Implementing a gated community concept with one or two guarded entry and exit points could significantly enhance security by controlling and monitoring access to the area. The residents are living in constant fear, and the authorities seem to be unaware of the gravity of the situation.

The water supply situation is equally dire, with irregular supply by the Housing Foundation, inadequate infrastructure, and low water pressure. The water supply often lasts for less than half an hour or one hour maximum, leaving residents with no choice but to rely on boreholes, which are also affected by the decreasing water table. Unlike other CDA sectors in Islamabad where the water is supplied daily. The residents of FGEHA managed sectors i.e., G-13 and G-14 are forced to buy water from private water tankers, adding to their financial burden.

The builder-mafia, particularly Lifestyle Residencia, has encroached upon roads and land, engaging in unauthorized construction and fraud. The project, started in 2016, remains incomplete, leaving residents’ investments stuck and their future uncertain. Even today, the promised infrastructure is not complete, despite collecting maximum amount of the total project cost from buyers. The over-extraction of groundwater by Lifestyle Residencia has also affected the residents’ boreholes, exacerbating the water crisis. The residents are stuck in a nightmare, with no hope of recovery.

Restaurants in the sector operate without following standard operating procedures (SOPs), occupying parking areas and footpaths, causing inconvenience to residents. The staff is often uneducated and arguments with them can lead to unpleasant situations. Approximately 15% of the sector’s commercial spaces are occupied by such establishments, contributing to noise and environmental pollution. The restaurants have become a nuisance, and the authorities seem to be turning a blind eye.

The CDA and FGEHA have neglected their responsibilities, failing to provide civic facilities in sectors G-13 and G-14. The water supply line from Khanpur Dam through Shah Allah Ditta remains incomplete, and the fight between the two authorities has left residents helpless. Despite paying property taxes, water bills (although they don’t receive water but still paying for it), residents are deprived of their basic rights and necessities. The authorities seem to be more interested in playing blame games rather than solving the problems.

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The residents of G-13, Islamabad, demand immediate attention to these pressing issues. They urge the authorities to address security concerns, improve water supply infrastructure, regulate builders and restaurants, and provide basic civic facilities. It’s time for the authorities to take responsibility and ensure a better quality of life for the residents, who will not remain silent anymore and will fight for their rights until justice is served. Below are some proposed measures that can help improve the situation to a little extent.

1. Enhanced Security Measures: Immediate installation of CCTV cameras, establishment of police checkpoints, and a robust community policing program to reduce crime rates and ensure residents’ safety.
2. Water Supply Improvements: Completion of the water supply line from Khanpur Dam, regular maintenance of existing infrastructure, and regulation of private water suppliers to ensure fair pricing and reliable delivery.
3. Regulation of Builders: Strict enforcement of building codes and completion deadlines, penalties for unauthorized construction, and legal action against fraudulent builders. A specific focus on holding Lifestyle Residencia accountable for its delays and over-extraction of groundwater.
4. Restaurant Regulations: Enforcement of SOPs for restaurants, ensuring proper sanitation, designated parking, and noise control. Regular inspections and penalties for violations to protect residents’ quality of life.
5. Administrative Accountability: Clear delineation of responsibilities between CDA and FGEHA, regular audits, and public reporting of progress on infrastructure projects. Establishment of a resident liaison committee to ensure community concerns are promptly addressed.

In conclusion, the plight of G-13’s residents reflects a broader systemic failure. The lack of accountability and enforcement of regulations has led to a deteriorating living environment. The authorities must act now to restore faith and provide the residents with the basic amenities and security they deserve. The residents’ patience is running thin, and immediate, concrete actions are required to alleviate their suffering and restore normalcy in G-13. It is time for the authorities to heed the cries of their constituents and bring an end to the neglect and chaos that have plagued this sector for far too long.

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The author has been a resident of Islamabad since 1990 and is a communications professional with over three decades of experience in the field of journalism, media, communications and branding strategies. He has worked in the government sector, with United Nations and currently serving the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan as the Communications Specialist. The views and opinions expressed in the article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, or other group or individual.