Darkness, open manholes put lives at risk

Missing covers and faulty streetlights endanger commuters in Saddar Cantt

RAWALPINDI:

The covers of deep manholes surrounding the busy Gawalmandi Railway Bridge Chowk in Saddar Cantonment have been stolen, turning the area into a hotspot for motorcycle accidents. Despite a two-month lapse, no replacement covers have been installed.

Residents complain that a streetlight at the junction has remained completely non-functional for the past year, plunging the area into darkness at night. As a result, two to three motorcyclists reportedly fall into the open manholes daily, while at least one citizen has already suffered a fractured leg.

The persistent darkness has also led to a rise in incidents of robbery, snatching and mobile phone theft. The bridge serves as a vital link between the city and the cantonment, and as one of the most congested junctions in the area, pedestrians and commuters remain distressed by the hazardous conditions caused by uncovered manholes.

In an attempt to prevent further accidents, local residents have placed large tree branches with leaves inside the manholes to make them visible from a distance. However, the absence of streetlights continues, and criminal activity in the area is reportedly on the rise.

Local residents Shahbaz Ali and Raja Faisal said all four roads converging at the junction are in a dilapidated state, with manhole covers missing for a long time and the sewerage system badly disrupted. They added that roads from Shaheen Chowk to Taj Company Bridge are severely damaged, while iron railings have remained broken for years.

Appealing to the administration, including the Executive Officer and the Deputy Commissioner, residents have demanded the immediate installation of manhole covers, reconstruction of damaged roads, installation of new streetlights and restoration of the sewerage system.

They further noted that during rainfall, water accumulates under the bridge to a depth of nearly one foot, exacerbating the problems.