Sand and water

Published in the Friday Times on September 1
4, 2007

 Sir, 

The golden beach of Hawkesbay is a favourite picnic spot for those who have no alternative but to live in Karachi. I have been visiting the place since I was te years old, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching the turtles lay their eggs and crawl towards the sea, or basking in the deliciously cool sea breeze. 

For many years now, a toll tax  has been collected from vehicles on their way to Sandspit or Hawkesbay. I remember a time when these receipts clearly stated the amount, as well as the name of the authority on whose behalf the tax was being charged (the Manora Cantonment Board). Yesterday, however I looked at the words "Sandspeed/Hawkbay/Manora Entertainment fee" printed on my little sheet of paper. The amount (Rs. 20) was nowhere to be found. Not wanting to create a ruckus, I paid without protest and proceeded further. Turning right towards Hawkesbay, I found no evidence of the promised "entertainment," unless you call the sight of malnourished goats and children entertainment.

A few kilometres down the road, there was another tax collector, claiming to collect tax from those wishing to Cape Monze or "French Bich." It's obvious that these unscrupulous people are minting thousands every year without paying anything to the government or the cantonment board. The authorities should investigate this, and arrest those who are involved in the scam. 

Shakir Lakhani

Karachi