SUKKUR is being ruined by irresponsible hands who are suspected to be involved in corruption and the misappropriation of funds allocated for sanitation and maintenance of the city.

There is no sanitation at all in the city. Sweepers are allowed to avail themselves of furlough. Heaps of refuse are a symbol of our achievement. It is giving a shabby look.

Gutters are overflowing and most of the roads may be seen flooded with sewage because the sanitation staff is availing themselves of leave of absence.

Encroachments are at full swing, as a consequence of which traffic jams are witnessed every day. Shopkeepers encroach upon footpaths and roads according to their wishes.

All rickshaws are without meters. Drivers have been licensed to rob the public by charging heavy fares. During the night, they double the fares, especially on seeing families with women and children. There is no rate list of fares.

Omni wagons running in the city carry 22 passengers instead of 18. They are compelled to pay illegal ‘Adda charges’ which is akin to ‘goonda tax’ paid by them. During a recent protest, wagon drivers disclosed paying Rs900 a day as bribe to the police.

Sanitation of Rohri and Sukkur has been assigned to a private company, North Sindh Urban Sanitation Company (Nusac), whose work is quite unsatisfactory. But the irony is that they are being allowed to continue.

A complaint was lodged at Nusac but in vain as no action has been taken despite the passing of more than four months. On being reminded on the phone, the attitude of the Nusac chairman was impolite.

I hope the authorities concerned would take measures at their earliest to improve the situation. Besides, an inquiry may be ordered regarding the utilisation of funds allocated for the repair of roads and footpaths.

M. A. HAKEEM Sukkur