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RAWALPINDI:
Facing a severe financial crisis, the Murree Municipal Corporation has increased public toilet usage fees across the hill station.
The charge has risen from Rs20 to Rs50 per person.
Parking fees for vehicles and charges at the local slaughterhouse have also been increased.
These service contracts will be auctioned off to private contractors on June 12.
Despite the fee hikes, there is no guarantee of basic amenities like water, soap, or towels in the washrooms.
According to the chief officer of the municipal corporation, seven major public toilets are located along key tourist routes and picnic points.
The minimum collective bid for these washroom contracts is set at Rs1.18. Among them, three are in high-traffic areas such as Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, and the General Bus Stand, with a combined contract value of Rs0.92.
Four others in less frequented areas like Guldana, Lower Topa, and Jhika Gali have a total value of Rs0.25. Contractors will be authorised to charge visitors Rs50 per use.
At the Murree slaughterhouse, new taxes have been introduced. Rs100 has been fixed for a small animal and Rs200 per large animal, with the slaughterhouse contract sold for Rs0.29.
