The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to launch a campaign against the sale of sub-standard beverages and food items.
Director DHS Dr. Hasan Orooj, while talking to APP, said that on the special directive of CDA Chairman Farkhand Iqbal, the DHS would take strict action against the sale of substandard food items. He asked the vendors to avoid the sale of sub-standard foods items or be ready for fines. He said the authorities would not allow any body to play with health of the people.
He said that two special teams would monitor the sale points and would fine those who sell food and beverages in unhygienic conditions. He called for creating awareness among the people to avoid substandard beverages because children were at most risk due to consumption of these products.
Shopkeepers fleecing
visitors at Ayub Park: A large number of visitors have complained that shopkeepers at Ayub Park, Rawalpindi are not following the prescribed rate list and charging from customers on their own. They seemed perturbed over sky-rocketing prices of edible items being sold at stalls of the park while authorities concerned looked least interested to address the problem.
The rates of chips, biscuits, burgers, soft drink bottles, mineral water and other various items were almost double as compared to open markets. A visitor, Zaheer Khan, alleged that there was no check on the prices of food and other items available in the tourist resort.
While, families visiting the park complained that overcharging, sale of substandard food items and non-availability of quality items were main features of vendors as the authorities concerned failed to control the quality and rates of the commodities. People demanded of the authorities concerned to take action against the violators.
When contacted, an official told APP that the park management regularly checked the quality and prices of edibles being sold in the vicinity of the facility. He said the administration would take stern action against the shopkeepers found involved in selling substandard items or overcharging.
A vendor at Ayub Park, admitting the overcharging, said, “It is difficult for us to sell the items at the open market rates as we have to pay the rent of the stall which is very high.”
The visitors also complained of the high entry fee being charged at the park varying between Rs. 10 to Rs 30. People were seen arguing with the gatekeeper over high entry tickets while the man posted at the main gate said he had nothing to do with fixation of entry fee, adding it was the decision of the high-ups. They said hand-written tickets were being issued to motorists, instead of printed tickets or having proper serial number. The families visiting the park have to pay extra money from Rs 30 to Rs 50 when they plan to visit different areas of the park like Jungle Kingdom.
They said after charging heavy entry fee, the security guards do not accept responsibility in case any vehicle is stolen. They said, “The park authorities have written very clearly on the board displayed at the entry of the gate that the authority is only taking entry fee and is not responsible for the security of the vehicles.”
Another visitor Muhammad Ehsan who came to park along with his family said, “It is very difficult for me to enter special place made for children and families due to high charges.” He requested the authorities concerned to look into the matter and try to ensure free entry for children and families.
