I AM currently getting a house constructed for my mother, in Phase 6 of DHA Lahore. Recently, I got a surprising information that DHA has contracted with one of the communication service providers (TV cable, internet and telephone) to serve as the only service provider in DHA Phase 5 & 6 (and probably onwards to phase 8 as well).

This was very disturbing to know because it is totally against the rights of the residents to choose from a number of service providers (at least two or three) and get a competitive price. It was especially unbelievable that even PTCL has not been allowed to have a presence in these phases.

This provides monopoly to the service provider which will surely result in poor yet expensive service.

Moreover, although DHA has provided possession of plots in most of the sectors in Phase 6 as well as encourages construction in these phases, the above mentioned service provider has not started providing Internet, TV and Telephony services there.

Apparently the DHA is not bothered and does not care how residents will be able to live without these facilities, which nowadays are some of the basic ones. I am not sure if everyone will derive the same conclusion as I did while finding the reason why DHA would create monopoly of one company. Something to ponder about!

The residents of Phase 6 are also deprived of natural gas, while electricity/power situation is really bad due to extended hours of load shedding.

In addition to these, DHA has not provided adequate security in these phases and people are currently facing security threats. In such a situation, how does DHA expect people to start living in phase 6, when they do not have most of the basic needs of a community? I hope authorities take strict action and address this very important matter as soon as possible.

MUHAMMAD JEHANZEB ZAFAR
Toronto,
Canada