Open sewers become death traps for Hyd unsuspecting citizens

Lidless manholes and uncovered drains on major roads in Hyderabad have become a serious hazard for citizens, particularly children and motorcyclists.

According to estimates, there are nearly 60,000 manholes across the city's three talukas, many of which are without covers and could cause fatal accidents. Residents say negligence by Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HWSC) officials and municipal representatives has left several busy roads and intersections exposed.

In October, HWSC provided 200 covers each for Latifabad and City divisions. Following the death of a child in Karachi's NIPA Chowrangi, another 100 wooden covers were supplied to Latifabad last week, with assurances of 100 cement covers within a week. However, City division has yet to receive additional covers.

Officials of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) claimed they had delivered 80 plastic covers to Hyderabad Municipal Corporation after installing a recycling plant, though residents allege the facility remains inactive.

Locals in Latifabad, City and Qasimabad say broken or missing covers on roads such as Court Road, Station Road, Hali Road and General Bus Stand Road have led to frequent accidents. Shopkeepers have placed wooden planks and debris over open manholes to warn drivers, but poor street lighting at night makes them difficult to spot.

HWSC officials told The Express Tribune that 500 to 1,000 covers are produced monthly, but many are destroyed by addicts breaking cement covers for scrap or by heavy vehicles. Wooden covers are often stolen or burnt for firewood in winter. Residents have begun sharing videos and images of open manholes on social media, demanding urgent action to prevent another tragedy.