Sand contractors accused of overcharging customers

MAILSI: Residents, labourers and tractor-trolley owners in Tehsil Mailsi have protested against alleged overcharging in the sand supply system operating under the Mines and Minerals Department and demanded action from the district administration.

According to local sources, sand contractor Khurram Shafiq Bhatti has assigned Muhammad Asif to supervise operations in Mailsi and nearby areas, while Muhammad Irfan Jutt is handling operations in Dokuota and adjoining localities.

Citizens and transporters alleged that despite government-approved rates, extra amounts of up to Rs7,000 per tractor-trolley of sand are being collected under different heads. They said the additional burden was affecting people linked to the construction sector, labourers and ordinary consumers.

Speaking to the media, tractor-trolley owners Rana Nadeem, Muhammad Saddam, Mudassar Ali, Muhammad Khalil and Muhammad Usman, along with others, said sand prices had already increased significantly and that the alleged overcharging had made house construction and other development work more costly. The protesters also alleged that despite receiving additional payments, the contractor had not provided several services covered under his contractual obligations.