KARACHI, June 23: The annual contract for collection of fee at the city’s second biggest cattle market in Malir was on Friday awarded for Rs10 million for the year 2006-07.

According to the town nazim, Ansar Sheikh, during the last four years, the contract had been awarded for Rs5 million to Rs5.2 million which was a big loss to the town. This time, the town ensured holding of fair auction, it was properly publicised and as a result of which 22 parties took part in the auction.

Earlier on Wednesday, the auction was stopped at Rs8.5 million and on the third day of the auction on Friday, it was finally awarded to Contractor Roshan Din for Rs10 million. The contractor would be responsible for the collection of entry fee of animals throughout the year. It will also be applicable to sacrificial animals brought in on Eidul Azha.