Open sewers become death traps in Rawalpindi
They had initially refused to descend the 10-foot manhole, but the chief inspector had threatened to fire them. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
Covers of manholes lining the Committee Chowk Underpass on Murree Road have been stolen by unknown persons, creating what citizens described as “death traps” on Rawalpindi’s main thoroughfare.
These manholes, critical components of urban infrastructure, serve as conduits for rainwater and sewage, essential for maintaining public safety and hygiene.
However, their current state paints a grim picture as they have become perilous traps due to the absence of their sturdy iron lids, stolen in a brazen act of theft.
The repercussions of this theft have been dire, particularly for motorcyclists and other commuters traversing the underpass. With no protective covers, these manholes have transformed into potential hazards, especially during the night when visibility is limited. Reports have surfaced of multiple accidents, with unfortunate individuals sustaining fractures in their limbs after inadvertently falling into these uncovered openings. The rainy season exacerbates the danger, as water accumulation disguises these hazards, catching unsuspecting motorists off guard.
Locals and business owners have voiced their concerns, citing the alarming frequency of accidents and the lack of accountability from relevant authorities. Despite appeals for prompt action, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has yet to rectify the situation, leaving these manholes exposed and hazardous. This negligence has sparked outrage among residents and merchants, who feel abandoned by the municipal and civic bodies responsible for public safety.
Khush Dil Khan and Waris Mehmood, representing the local business community, have brought attention to the bureaucratic finger-pointing that has ensued. While the Municipal Corporation attributes the responsibility to WASA, the latter denies any obligation, leaving a critical safety issue unresolved. In their plea to the deputy commissioner, they underscored the urgency of addressing this pressing matter and compelling the responsible entity to expedite the reinstallation of manhole covers.
Furthermore, the theft of these covers extends beyond the Committee Chowk underpass, reflecting a broader challenge of urban vandalism and illicit trade in stolen goods. The involvement of drug users in this criminal activity, using stolen lids as currency in their transactions, underscores the multifaceted nature of the problem. Citizens demand decisive action, including legal repercussions for those involved in the theft and a crackdown on the illicit trade of manhole covers.
In response to mounting pressure, authorities are urged to conduct raids on scrap yards, confiscate stolen covers, and prosecute offenders. Additionally, implementing measures to restrict the purchase of manhole covers by unauthorised individuals, especially junkies involved in the black market trade, is deemed necessary to stem the tide of theft and safeguard public infrastructure.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2024.