Residents, labourers, and tractor-trolley owners in Tehsil Mailsi have protested against alleged overcharging and the lack of basic facilities in the sand supply system operating under the Mines and Minerals Department, urging the district administration to intervene and take action against those responsible.

Local sources said sand contractor Khurram Shafiq Bhatti has assigned Muhammad Asif to oversee operations in Mailsi and adjoining areas, while Muhammad Irfan Jutt is responsible for operations in Dokuota and surrounding localities.

Citizens and transporters alleged that contrary to government-approved rates, additional charges of up to Rs7,000 per tractor-trolley of sand are being collected under various heads, placing a significant financial burden on people associated with the construction sector, labourers, and ordinary consumers.

Speaking to the media, tractor-trolley owners Rana Nadeem, Muhammad Saddam, Mudassar Ali, Muhammad Khalil, Muhammad Usman and others said that sand prices have already risen considerably and the alleged overcharging has made house construction and other development projects even more expensive for the public.

They argued that the extra charges are ultimately passed on to consumers, resulting in a substantial increase in construction costs.

The protesters further alleged that despite collecting additional payments, the contractor has failed to provide several services that are part of his contractual obligations.