The Punjab Transport Authority (PTA) has enacted a second increase in fares amid protests on local routes for the second time in two months. District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) Secretary Syed Asad Raza Kazmi ordering an increase of Rs 2 on all routes, reasoned that the hike is a result of an increase in prices of petroleum products and CNG. Despite the increase in fares as demanded, transporters of the twin cities have refused to withdraw a call to strike and have warned of a wheel-jam strike on Monday. Muttahida Transport Union (MTU) president Malik Muhammad Sultan said that the call was made against issuance of tickets amounting to Rs1,000 by traffic wardens on rules not broken by drivers.
Talking to reporters, commuters of the twin cities complained that the transporters were already charging high fares and the government once again totally ignored the interest of commons and has given into the pressures of the transport mafia.
Roadside vendors exploiting fast food frenzy: Residents of the twin cities are at a perpetual risk of falling prey to waterborne diseases because of the numerous roadside eateries which are selling unhygienic food to the public.
The sale of contaminated fruits and uncovered eatables had been going on unchecked by the authorities concerned which had given rise to diseases like typhoid, cholera and gastroenteritis.
Owners of these illegal eateries, which had mushroomed at every nook and corner of the twin cities, serve food on stalls and small carts without taking hygiene into account.
It had been observed that some of these eateries procure water for cooking, washing and serving from roadside municipality water taps which were often surrounded by garbage.
The eatables were not properly covered after cooking. Even the food was cooked on the roadside. As a result, the dust and smoke emitted by the passing vehicles makes the food unhygienic.
Dr Baig, a medical expert at Polyclinic, said that eateries outside school, colleges and other points of the city were the places wherefrom people should never eat as they could catch a disease or infection from such places very easily.
A student Shehzad Ali said, “At least they should cover the eatables.
Cooking on the roadside can never be considered hygienic. The dust particles and smoke can cause problems for the people who eat from these shops and vendors.”
A private employee Saqib Tahir said, “Even child labor laws have not proved a deterrent for these eatery owners. How can they expect kids to wash utensils properly?”
He said the health department should look into the hygiene levels of these eateries to prevent the likely outbreak of waterborne diseases.
When an official of the food quality control was contacted, he claimed that crackdowns were being conducted regularly against violators and stern action had been taken in this regard several times.
“We are already working on a campaign that will be launched soon to ensure people’s health. The department will issue strict orders to all such eateries to make them cover food items,” he said.
“An intensive awareness campaign will be run in the city for the general public. Even people themselves must not have food or drinks at eateries that don’t follow proper hygiene instructions,” he added.
