THERE is a whole world of activities in Karachi that are performed on the streets because there is no place for them otherwise. These activities also take over space such as streets and the floodplains of Karachi’s rivers and streams. For instance, an increasing number of families and individuals have made their homes along the edge of the Lyari river. They are both individuals and families. Besides the Lyari river, people have also found shelter under bridges, especially the street hawkers and kids who paint themselves with gold and silver spray, and perform at weddings and similar events.

Many innovative designs for homes have emerged that protect from theft and keep belongings safe. One of the most common is the semi-circular ventilated steel cage, about four feet (1.2 metres) high and four feet wide, which can be locked. The steel sections used in this design are about half an inch thick. When people leave for work, they either lock their belongings inside these structures or hire someone nearby to keep an eye. At night, they sleep inside these locked cages so that their belongings are safe and they are not forced to move suddenly by the authorities.

Settlements are provided with tea and roti for breakfast at a very reasonable........

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