SUKKUR: Sukkur Municipal Corporation has started renting out footpaths and recreational spots in a bid to increase revenue to meet annual expenditure incurring upon salaries and others heads of the Corporation.
Tax department had issued permits to vendors for establishing businesses on footpaths at Clock Tower, Shalimar Phatak, Regent Area, Old Sukkur and Bunder Road.
Reportedly, the Corporation had been charging Rs 750 per 4×6 square feet space and Rs 1200 for space of 8×6 square feet of footpaths at Shalimar Phatak area. Similarly, safety grill was erected around historical Clock Tower of the city and has also been leased out to local vendors against the payment of Rs 500 on daily basis.
Members of civil society and trade union bodies had slammed this act of Corporation and called for an early removal of all such illegally made shops, calling them examples of encroachments.
Published in Daily Times, November 1st 2017.