PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD: The renowned Melody Food Park situated at Sector in G-6 in the heart of federal capital has lost its attractiveness and beauty due to poor management and negligence of the authorities concerned.
The lack of proper cleanliness arrangements and lack of interest taken by civic authorities of the federal capital the number of clients has decreased in Melody Food Park.
Aamir Gull a cashier of the renowned restaurant at the Food Park said that the number of visitors has been decreasing gradually in the last few years. He said, "I started working here in 2005 and saw the hustle and bustle in Melody Food Street at that time. It used to be so crowded and it was a challenge for us to arrange more space and furniture for the diners. We kept an oversized staff to deal with customers as the business of the eatery was booming speedily," he added.
Taimoor Ali a manager at a local eatery said "our restaurant is famous for best local cuisine. We used to have a number of customers but now the business is declining too as we have failed to provide the desired environment to customers.'' He added that restaurant employees had a lethargic attitude as they threw the waste near the Food Park which produced an unbearable odour and would attract stray animals too.
He further informed that the food park’s condition depreciated when its sheds were removed by Capital Development Authority (CDA). Another worker sharing his views about the issue said, "We have made all possible efforts to maintain the standard of cleanliness. We sweep the floor once in the morning and then in the evening.
Those who visit the market at this time have to face issues of foulness. But we don't see the municipality staff regularly enough to ward off the stray animals and keep a check on unclean places," he lamented. Hina Malik a medical student expressed that she used to go to the food court in her childhood and observed that back then it was in perfect condition, but now it has lost all its liveliness.
Saira Kazim while sharing her views about Food Street said that hungry and stray cats lie under the tables and roam around the diners with hopes of getting leftovers. The furniture is so sticky with grease and dirt that makes the surrounding disgusting, she added.
When contacted in this regard, CDA’s Directorate Municipal Administration (DMA) Director Zafar Iqbal said that they keep a strict check on the melody eateries and keep issuing warnings to the owners on their weary attitude.
He further said "We have a plan to renovate and upgrade the food park but right now we are tied up with new elect government settlement issues.'' We are presently out of funds as well and waiting for the budget. As soon as CDA will be provided a grant it will start the renovation work, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2018.
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