Public safety at stake

Recent report reveals an uptick in theft of various road items in Karachi

A recent report has revealed an uptick in the theft of various road items such as manhole covers, pedestrian bridge grills, footpath railings, cables of traffic signals and construction equipment across Karachi. The surge in theft is a consequence of escalating unemployment and inflation compelling drug addicts and unemployed individuals to steal these items to extract iron and sell them. Residents and municipal authorities say police negligence has allowed these activities to continue unabated in broad daylight and at night.

While these items may seem trivial, they play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and maintaining orderliness. Numerous pedestrians express concerns about the risks associated with pedestrian bridges and staircases without railings. Malfunctioning traffic signals disrupt the flow of traffic leading to traffic jams and accidents. Apart from impacting the day-to-day activities of citizens, the constant replacement of these items incurs significant costs amounting to millions of rupees for the government. In a survey conducted by The Express Tribune, citizens reported that, despite informing the police about missing manhole covers and traffic cables, the police seldom take the issue seriously. The Executive Engineer of the Water Board District East explained that it is challenging for the police to address every individual complaint due to the high frequency of such reports.

Perhaps, the police, municipal authorities and public utility companies should collaborate to establish a monitoring mechanism, along with a hotline service, enabling people to lodge complaints more effectively. Alternatively, the police should take action against the buying and selling of these items prohibiting retailers from purchasing iron extracted from various sources. Karachi’s residents already contend with many problems; the least those in charge can do is ensure the availability of basic road items.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2023.

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