MCI auctions cattle market for sacrificial animals

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ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC), on Tuesday, auctioned a cattle market site in sector I-12 for Rs 72 million, which is Rs 48.5 million higher than last year. In 2016, the cattle market was auctioned at Rs 23.5 million.

The mandi, for the sacrificial animals, will be set up near the fruits and vegetable market from Zil-Hajj 1 to 13.

The contractor will charge Rs 500 for the entry of each cow whereas Rs 250 will be charged for the entry of each goat from the animal vendors, who will ultimately charge it from the buyers.

The bidding was held at the fire headquarters building under the supervision of Municipal Administration (MA) director, while the officials from the security directorate were absent.  Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) divisional audit officer, DMA audit officer, DMA deputy director, and representatives of the finance wing, were also present on the occasion.

According to the documents, 33 bidders participated. However, only five of them offered a bid, which made it suspicious. The bidding started from Rs 23.5 million and Wooper (Pvt) Limited successfully got the contract of the market by bidding at Rs 72 million, while a bid of Rs 70.3 million was made by Khaksar.

This year, the authority has decided to establish the cattle market at Sector I-12 instead of Sector I-11, where it used to be previously.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) mayor, cum chairman, has also directed the departments to ensure uninterrupted supply of water, as well as streetlights, at the market. The civic agency will also arrange ambulance service for the market to meet any untoward incidents.

The concerned departments have also directed the authorities to ensure proper sanitation and provision of basic facilities at the market.

The Municipal Administration Director (MAD) Ali Sufian said that sufficient arrangements, including supply of clean drinking water for animals, camps of veterinary doctors, security staff, site electrification, proper places for animal loading and unloading, public toilets, car parking for buyers and directional sign boards, among other things, have been made at the approved site.