- By: Seerat Muntaha
Private housing societies are often presented as the answer to all urban problems. Developers advertise them as modern, secure, and well-planned communities where families can finally live a better life. People save for years, sometimes their entire lives, to buy a home in these societies, believing they are investing in a dream. But once the gates close behind them, reality begins to show a different picture.
The first cracks usually appear in the most basic services. A single rainfall is enough to expose poor drainage systems. Streets quickly fill with stagnant water, and days later the puddles still remain. Instead of clean, well-maintained surroundings, residents find themselves dealing with mosquitoes, foul smells, and the risk of diseases. Families who moved in search of comfort end up battling conditions worse than the ones they left behind.
Roads are another broken promise. The wide, smooth driveways shown in brochures soon turn into bumpy, cracked surfaces. Incomplete construction projects leave clouds of dust and uneven pathways, making every day travel uncomfortable. For school children, working professionals, and elderly residents, even a short walk becomes a struggle.
What hurts residents most is that they continue to pay heavy maintenance fees with little to show for it? Societies often collect money under the banner of “development” but the promised facilities never materialize. Parks remain barren, waste disposal systems stay unreliable, and water supply remains inconsistent. The lack of transparency about where the funds go only deepens the frustration.
Security is another area where expectations and reality rarely match. Most societies proudly claim to provide 24-hour protection, but in truth, security often begins and ends at the main gate. A few guards and half-working cameras cannot provide the safety families were promised. For many residents, the peace of mind they thought they were buying remains out of reach.
These problems are not minor inconveniences—they affect daily life. People who invested their hopes, trust, and savings into these societies often feel cheated. Owning a home is supposed to be a source of stability and pride, but when the most basic needs are neglected, it becomes a burden.
The solution lies in accountability and transparency. Developers must be held responsible for the promises they make. Proper systems of oversight are needed to ensure that funds collected from residents are spent on genuine improvements. Residents should also have a greater say in decisions that directly affect their lives.
Until that happens, the glossy advertisements will remain nothing more than illusions. Behind the beautiful gates and landscaped entrances, the hidden struggles of families will continue. And the dream of a better, modern life will remain just that-a dream.