Sustaining Lives in Crisis: Displacement and the Strain on Urban Resources

Usman Ghani – Political Worker and Vice Chairman, Union Council

Host Community: Moachh Goth, Karachi

During an in-depth meeting with the Mapping Displacement team in October 2024, Usman Ghani, the acting Union Council (UC) Vice Chairman of Moachh Goth in District Keamari, shared his experiences with local governance and the evolving social dynamics due to large-scale displacement. Moachh Goth, a historically multi-ethnic community home to Baloch, Sindhi, and Kachhi residents, has experienced significant pressures due to an influx of displaced individuals, especially after the 2022 floods that affected large areas of rural Sindh and Balochistan.

Displacement and Community Strain

Usman described the considerable challenges faced by Moachh Goth as a result of the arrival of displaced families. The floods of 2022, which devastated rural areas, forced many to seek refuge in urban centres like Karachi. The sudden increase in population exacerbated existing infrastructure challenges and intensified competition for basic resources. “The arrival of displaced families brought immediate, visible strain on Moachh Goth,” Usman noted. Already under-resourced, the area faced mounting difficulties as the number of temporary shelters and makeshift camps grew, particularly in the 500-quarters section.

The Shift in Social Dynamics and Rising Tensions

Usman highlighted the shift in community dynamics and how the host community’s initial openness began to erode over time. While there was a strong spirit of solidarity and cooperation in the immediate aftermath of the floods, the prolonged presence of displaced families led to new social tensions. “When you have limited resources and more people competing for them, it breeds resentment,” he explained. The residents, who were themselves facing economic challenges, began to feel increasingly marginalized as public services, including water and sanitation, came under severe pressure.

The arrival of displaced families from varied ethnic backgrounds also introduced new cultural elements to Moachh Goth. The community's long-established identity started to shift, leading to friction between the original residents and the newcomers. Usman described instances where local customs clashed with those of the displaced, resulting in misunderstandings and, at times, open conflicts. “We began to see disputes over everything—from access to community water points to space in local markets,” he remarked.

These tensions were further exacerbated by reports of rising crime, such as theft and snatching, which many locals attributed to the desperation of those displaced. This fueled a narrative of suspicion and unease, undermining the social cohesion that had once characterized Moachh Goth. Usman observed that while most displaced individuals were law-abiding and struggling to rebuild their lives, the perception of increased criminal activity had lasting impacts on the community's sense of security and trust.

Efforts to Alleviate the Strain

Despite the challenges, Usman played an active role in coordinating relief efforts, particularly in the early days following the 2022 floods. He worked closely with NGOs to establish camps and distribute essential supplies, such as food and clean water. However, as time passed, it became clear that these measures were only temporary solutions. “Relief efforts can only go so far when you are dealing with an unplanned, sustained influx of people,” he said.

Usman emphasized that the strain on resources was palpable. The UC office, with its limited budget, focused on infrastructure improvements, particularly in water and sewerage systems, but the rapid increase in population stretched these efforts thin. “There is only so much we can do with the resources we have,” Usman admitted. The NGOs that partnered with the community also faced funding constraints, limiting their ability to provide ongoing support for the displaced families.

The Fragile Balance of Relief and Community Well-Being

A significant challenge identified by Usman was balancing immediate humanitarian needs with the long-term well-being of the host community. The continuous need for aid began to create a dependency among some displaced individuals, complicating efforts to foster self-sufficiency and integration. This dependency became a source of frustration for the local residents, who perceived it as a burden on their limited resources. “Over time, we saw a divide forming,” Usman noted. The sense of unity that characterized the initial relief efforts gave way to visible divides as tensions escalated.

The Way Forward

Reflecting on these experiences, Usman underscored the need for sustainable, long-term solutions that address both the needs of displaced individuals and the host community. “We need policies that go beyond immediate relief,” he said, emphasizing the importance of sustainable housing projects, job creation programs, and community-based initiatives that promote social integration. Without such measures, Moachh Goth—and other communities like it—will continue to face the dual challenges of resource scarcity and social tension.

The situation in Moachh Goth offers a stark illustration of the broader dynamics of climate and conflict displacement. The pressures of displacement can strain even the most resilient communities, leading to competition, distrust, and conflict. “If we do not address these challenges holistically, the cycle of tension and unrest will only continue,” Usman concluded.

Usman Ghani’s account sheds light on the complexities faced by communities grappling with large-scale displacement. His experience highlights the challenges that emerge when a community’s resources are stretched beyond capacity and when social harmony is tested by new pressures. The situation in Moachh Goth underscores the gaps left by insufficient governance structures and fragmented policymaking, which hinder Union Councils and other local bodies from fully addressing the needs of both displaced populations and long-time residents. Without adequate support and streamlined policies, the collective efforts of community leaders and organizations remain constrained, preventing them from effectively managing the tensions and pressures that arise in such circumstances.