Vendors Complain Of Missing Facilities At I-12 Sacrificial Animal Market

The vendors who are bringing their sacrificial animals in the federal capital from far flung areas Friday decried for lack of facilities at I-12 cattle market.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Aug, 2018 ) :The vendors who are bringing their sacrificial animals in the Federal capital from far flung areas Friday decried for lack of facilities at I-12 cattle market.

The only cattle market for Islamabad's dwellers, set up near the Railway Carriage Factory, lacks the basic facilities like drinking water, veterinary services and animal shelters, forcing vendors and animals to bear hot and humid weather conditions of monsoon.

The situation worsens after rain in and hamper the mobility of customers at the market and affect the health of sacrificial animals.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, another monsoon rain-spell is expected before Eid-ul-Azha which is almost 11 days away.

The vendors complained that they ensured to be provided all required facilities at the market but no practical measures are in sight.

Talking to APP, a vendor Tariq Mehmood who came from Sahiwal, said he has brought his animal to the capital for a better earning and facilities as compared to the local markets but "The condition is no more different from the last year." The management, he said was providing water for animals once a day but in such sizzling heat the livestock required water three times to avoid dehydration.

Another trader Muhammad Sikander from Rajanpur said They were being charged Rs2,650 for big animal and Rs 1,250 for small but were deprived of basic amenities to survive in scorching heat.

A seller also demanded to establish a veterinary clinic for effective monitoring of livestock's health.

The loss of one animal could cause them as entire profit of the whole business due to non-availability of veterinary doctor. He also complained for unhygienic food offered at food stalls set up in the market and asked the authorities concern to ensure standard of the food.

When contacted, an official of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration said the missing facilities would be ensured today.

Contractor of the I-12 market Raja Zahid said they were responsible for providing water, land and electricity in the area, for which he had hired sufficient workforce.

"We are charging Rs143 per square yard to a vendor and dedicate seven square yards for each goat and sheep, while 15 squares for cow and camels, " he informed APP.

A vendor had to pay Rs 250 entry fee for small animals and Rs 500 for big animals, he added.

Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) said they were only responsible to monitor the provision of all required facilities to the vendors for which the department had hired 20 staffers of MCI.