I am originally from Zabrat, and ever since I opened my eyes to the world, I have seen its streets in this very state: rough and dusty in the summer, and full of puddles in the autumn and winter.

I recall that there used to be sayings about Zabrat being a place of ponds. People would remark: “Zabrat has frog-filled lakes…”

This village has long been neglected. For instance, Zabrat still does not have a proper functioning sewage system. Residents either channel wastewater directly into the streets or, at best, dig cesspits in their yards, later paying for trucks to remove the waste.

Even today, Zabrat’s roads are in deplorable condition. If you try to enter Zabrat from the Zabrat roundabout on a rainy day, the first thing you will encounter is a large puddle. Drive a little further, past the cemetery, and you will see that local residents discharge their sewage directly into the street. In the 21st century, sewage still flows through open streets—a truly appalling situation.

Zabrat only draws attention because of the main Zabrat road, which many people use as a passage to nearby villages. I believe that if not for this road, the area would have been forgotten long ago. On rainy days, take your route through Zabrat—you might remember that it is high time to have the place repaired.

Irada Jalil