Project proponents amplify need for “community ownership” for park maintenance and success
Sultanabad’s Queen’s Park has been rebuilt for the third time by the Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK), a project funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Sindh government.
The World Bank has allocated around Rs58 million in funds for this park, located near Ziauddin Hospital in Clifton.
“Even if it is [provincial] the duty of government to provide facilities such as parks and playgrounds, their maintenance and the maintenance of their benefits [from them] depend on community cooperation and the involvement of local representatives,” emphasized Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah during the inauguration ceremony on Thursday. “True ownership of development projects can only happen through collaboration between elected officials, municipal administrations and citizens. »
Echoing this sentiment, CLICK Project Director Ayesha Hameed said The Express PK Press Club, “Parks built without significant input from local residents are not possessed by the community. Therefore, there is little local oversight or care once the contractor leaves.”
However, she pointed to a broader structural problem within local bodies, noting that such projects often fall into disarray and are neglected after inauguration as it remains unclear whether it is the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation or the Town Municipal Corporation, union councils or another government agency responsible for its upkeep. Their property remains a “gray area,” she noted.
“Each park upgraded under CLICK now includes a formal transfer to the respective city. A management allocation is provided in the local council’s budget,” said Hameed, detailing the measures CLICK is taking to prevent deterioration of the parks.
“During the Defects Warranty Period (DLP), the responsibility for maintenance, including horticultural care, irrigation and upkeep of the facilities, will rest with the contractor to ensure that all works remain in good condition. Beyond the DLP, the respective municipal corporations have been directed to take full responsibility for operations and maintenance.”
“Additionally, TMCs were encouraged to establish park management committees comprising local residents, community representatives and municipal staff to oversee maintenance, strengthen community ownership and ensure the long-term sustainability of these public assets,” Hameed added.
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The park contains a walking path, freshly planted grass and a children’s play area. There is also a ramp to accommodate wheelchair users or people with disabilities. Separate bathrooms for men and women have been provided.
“Shade trees and other native plants have been planted in Queen’s Park. Although they are still young at this stage, the landscaping plan ensures that as they mature, they will create adequate shade and improve the microclimate of the park,” Hameed said. The Express PK Press Club.
The park was built with the aim of being inclusive for all genders. “There is a separate gate at the back of the park that has been added especially to accommodate women. A guard will be stationed here permanently,” said Aisha Mughal, social development specialist at CLICK. “There are also specific times on certain days when only women are allowed to enter the park.”
She added that efforts are being made to ensure that women are an integral part of local councils so that gender-specific issues or concerns are not overlooked or ignored.
This park is the only public recreational space for the residents of Sultanabad. “Identification and prioritization of projects is done at the city level by the elected city chairman, based on community needs and local development priorities. Accordingly, the proposal for upgrading this particular park was submitted by the concerned TMC, recognizing its central location, high usage by the public and deteriorated condition,” Hameed said.
“Requests from local communities are assessed based on risk and environmental impact in accordance with World Bank guidelines, then approved and prioritized based on need. We also work collaboratively with 246 union councils, whose comments and contributions we greatly value,” Mughal reiterated.
The park is not the biggest, greenest or most impressive, but it is a step forward in making Karachi a greener city with more public spaces for local communities and citizens.
A total of eight parks have been fully completed and officially handed over to the respective TMCs for operation and maintenance, according to CLICK representatives. Fifty more parks and recreational spaces are currently being completed and are expected to be opened by February 2026.
