Ineffective Utility Stores Irk Residents of Kohlu

Abdul Qayyum Mari

Kohlu: Self-imposed inflation has exploded like a bomb for the resident of Kohlu district as the district administration has failed to provide relief to the people in daily commodities.

The local residents said there are about a dozen government-run utility stories operational in the district, but none of them is providing relief in prices to the residents.

More alarming is that the centers are limited to nominal utility stores while the government claims relief.

Following the situation, residents are forced to grind in the mill of self-made inflation. Despite the implementation of the Ramadan package in the province, essential items like sugar, ghee, rice, and flour are available in Kohlu’s centers.

Palms, beverages, cooking oil, and other items are not available due to which the citizens are deprived of the Ramazan package while this year the administration has not been able to hold the Sista Ramazan Bazaar, leaving the poor residents at the mercy of shopkeepers.

The residents said that the government relief for the people is limited only to the claims while the non-implementation of the government tariff in the district is equivalent to missing food items at the utility stores of the district throughout the year.

No one has taken notice despite the people’s complaints.

The traditional meeting of the price control committee is held after many months but the reality is different. The residents said there is no one to ask from the concerned authorities why food items are missing in the utility centers even during the month of Ramazan? And where has the government announced the Ramazan relief package?

Citizens further said that due to self-imposed inflation, it has become impossible to get double bread.

Prices of fruits and vegetables in Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Sibi districts near Kohlu are in line with the general market but prices of fruits and vegetables in Kohlu have skyrocketed, they said.

Dealers and shopkeepers

The government benefits have not reached the people due to a lack of check-and-balance in the utility centers while many poultry dealers and shopkeepers say that the Tehsildar told them to run at the same rate and no action will be taken against them.

There is no check and balance in the quality of meat and poultry items being bought at exorbitant prices due to the abundance of unhealthy items.

The residents have demanded of the government to take stern action against the shopkeepers and take practical steps to ensure the supply of essential items at the utility stores.

They also demanded immediate notice from the Chief Secretary, Chief Minister Balochistan, and Commissioner Sibi Division.