'Efforts on to achieve target of 5,000 more utility stores'

Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan Brigadier (Retd) Hafeez Ahmed on Monday said that the corporation is working hard to achieve the target of setting up 5,000 more utility stores countrywide in minimum possible time.
Talking to a private television channel he said the programme is being implemented in three phases. In first phase the existing number of 10 warehouses would be enhanced to 54 by July 31, adding that 1,000 more utility stores would also be set up during this period.
In the second phase 2,500 additional stores would be set between August 1 and September 15,2007. In third phase soon after Ramazan the remaining number of stores would be set up to complete the target, he said.
He said that after accomplishment of this programme there would be a utility store for 10,000-15,000 people throughout the country. The MD said preference is being given to set up stores in areas having concentration of low-income segments of society. To a question he said that the complaints regarding quality of items at the stores have reduced substantially.
He said the organisation procures branded items from certified dealers and strict action is taken on complaints. On the occasion he said that the corporation has made special food packages to supply flood-affected people of Sindh and Balochistan. These packages have already been sent in the affected areas.