Sir,

One of the main problems in Gulshan-i-Hadid is the overflow of gutters. Since the gutter pipelines are still fixed according to the early planning of the area, the gutters have started to overflow because of the growing population.

Due to the overflow of gutters, not only are the pedestrians in great trouble but also germs and diseases are spreading in the area. In addition, the main road of the area is especially being affected by the filthy water. Many potholes have been formed due to the standing water. The breakage of the road is also the cause of many accidents.

When the residents of the area complain to the UC office they are told that this is not their responsibility as the area comes under the Steel Mills' jurisdiction, whereas the Steel Mills' authorities claim that the UC office is responsible for this matter. They keep shifting the blame on each other.

I would be greatly obliged if the relevant authorities took necessary action to solve the above-mentioned problem.

HAFIZ MUHAMMAD NOMAN
University of Karachi
PTCL complaints

Sir,

Being fed up with my landline phone number (34539544) getting out of order every day for one reason or the other, I surrendered the same and bought a PTCL wireless phone set bearing number 34299016 from the PECHS telephone exchange located on Razi Road on Feb 13, 2010.

On applying for change of category from prepaid to post-paid, I was told to approach the PTCL One Stop Shop as the PECHS telephone exchange could not do it. Hence a security deposit of Rs3,000 was deposited with the PTCL Clifton One Stop Shop thereafter.

In May the Clifton PTCL One Stop Shop expressed its inability to change my package and refunded the security deposit with the advice that I should approach the PECHS telephone exchange once again.

On May 17 the PECHS telephone exchange agreed to change my package and received my security deposit of Rs2,500 and till today continues to make false promises regarding the change of package. From Feb 2010 till Aug 2010, my wireless phone number (34299016) has not been working for outgoing calls, as the package change from prepaid to post-paid has still not been put into effect.

Is there anyone who can rectify this?

ABDUL SALAM
Karachi

II

Sir,

My land-line telephone has not been working since Aug 19. I had registered a complaint with PTCL's automated system.

After continuous follow-up of my complaint I have been told that PTCL's field staff is on strike and as soon as they are back on duty action will be taken on our complaints. Being a customer of PTCL, I would request the management that at this time, when the country is facing a most devastating natural calamity and its consequences, and the citizens of Karachi are facing numerous other problems, kindly do not increase our problems through inefficient service.

I and other citizens who are suffering due to the PTCL's inefficient service would like to request the management to take early action to solve this issue and facilitate their consumers.

NAILA SIDDIQUI
Block 2, PECHS
Fruit prices

Sir,

I want to draw the government's attention towards the skyrocketing rates of the majority of fruit in wholesale and retail markets of Karachi, especially during Ramazan. It seems fruit is being pushed beyond the purchasing power of the public.

Even though fruit is a very common item during Iftar, the poor are unable to afford it due to the high rates.

Melon, which was available at Rs25 to Rs30 per kg, is now being sold to consumers at retail outlets at around Rs45 to Rs50 per kg while banana, regarded as the most consumed fruit in Ramazan, also rose to Rs40 to Rs50 per dozen.

I hope the government takes notice of these price hikes and does something to regulate the price of fruit during Ramazan and throughout the year.

MUHAMMAD JASSIM
Karachi

city@dawn.com