Uncovered manholes waiting to swallow locals in Sialkot

Residents complain officials not committed to covering death pits

SIALKOT: Taking a stroll through Daska City can turn into a perilous exercise as open manholes lie in wait to swallow unsuspecting pedestrians whole.

Residents have expressed concern over the open manholes and requested the government to fix the problem in the city and its adjoining areas. They believe it poses a threat to their lives, particularly during the night when visibility is low.

A survey by Express News revealed that the city’s roads and footpaths are lined with uncovered manholes, proving hazardous for locals, especially children. Many open manholes have been spotted on GT Road, Sambrial Road, Sohawa, Chungi No 8 and other thoroughfares.



They pose a threat to the lives of motorists and pedestrians, but the departments concerned are not ready to cover them up. The responsibility is constantly passed from one authority to the other.

The covering of the manholes has become an issue for the district administration and municipal committee.

Open manholes have led to fatal accidents and are a hindrance in the smooth flow of traffic.

Citizens told Express News that in the past, several people have fallen into the manholes and suffered critical injuries as they remain uncovered due to the negligence of the district administration. They added such incidents are a result of human errors, the responsibility of which could only be placed on the shoulders of the district administration that only seems to have shed crocodile tears notwithstanding.

They lamented that these uncovered manholes have become deathtraps, especially at night when passersby or children, due to inadequate streetlights, fall into the open pits. The responsibility of such tragic incidents in every respect lies on the government authorities, citizens maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 11^th, 2018.