KARACHI is dotted with various
high-rise buildings and nearly half of its population lives in apartments. The
routine maintenance of flats differs from that of independent houses and
bungalows. People living in flat complexes collectively maintain services
against monthly contributions ranging from Rs400 to Rs 1,500, depending on the
amenities and size of the complex. An elected “welfare association” of residents
has to be registered under the Societies Act XXI of 1860 with the office of the
registrar, welfare services, Sindh.
However, there are various problems which welfare associations face from flat
residents and the latter from associations. While some residents make delayed
payments of the service charges, some do not pay at all for months and years,
shifting the burden on to those who pay regularly. Some residents do not display
a civic sense and throw out garbage from their windows and balconies or spit
around or let water overflow. Some residents ignore payment of their individual
sewerage and water tax bills and still get undue water out of the bulk supply
from the KWSB through common water tanks of a complex. The associations are not
empowered to take action in such cases and can only rely on appeals to the
residents. Some associations misuse funds contributed by residents, do not
maintain proper accounts, ignore annual auditing and do not furnish a monthly
statement of accounts at the end of every month to all residents.
Residents do not get proper services against contribution. Due to non-payment by
some flat owners, other residents have to bear increases in maintenance
charges.There are no checks and balances exercised by the authorities concerned.
A quarterly inspection by officials will help to provide succor to apartment
dwellers.