Needing attention: Aabpara, Melody in dishevelled condition

Aabpara and Melody markets facing countless problems due to rising encroachments, poor sewerage system.

ISLAMABAD: Aabpara and Melody markets of the capital are facing countless problems due to rising encroachments, poor sewerage system and lack of parking facilities.

The oldest and busiest business centres of the city, the markets are presenting an ugly look, which is also causing difficulties to the shoppers and traders.

The encroached pavement have made it hard for visitors to walk on, while the dangling wires pose severe threat to life and property of traders and shoppers. “Civic authorities’ have turned a blind eye to the plight of these markets,” said Imtiaz, a visitor. A number of visitors criticised the city management for not taking any action against the shopkeepers, who have encroached upon the corridors and footpaths.

Naveed Abbasi, a visitor, said it had become a nuisance to shop at Melody and Aabpara markets. “Being a resident of Sector G-6, it is convenient for me to shop from both these markets but their condition is worsening day-by-day.” Similarly, Mian Sarfraz, another shopper, complained about bad sanitary conditions of the markets, where sewerage water kept on gushing out of drains and staining the clothes of the visitors.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2010.