Rawalpindi green-lights manhole safety project

The Rawalpindi District Council has approved a project to install heavy-duty iron and concrete covers on 350 dangerous and deep manholes and sewer openings across outlying areas under the tehsil councils.

The project, costing Rs88.892 million, will also include the installation of strong safety grilles beneath the covers, capable of bearing a load of up to 100kg. Protective walls and slabs will also be constructed around deep rainwater drains to prevent accidents.

Contracts for the project are scheduled to be awarded on August 24, with the work expected to be completed within 30 days.

District Council Administrator and Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir ordered the immediate installation of covers on all manholes and sewer openings in District Council areas following incidents of children drowning in floodwater during monsoon rains in the city.

Under the project, safety grilles capable of bearing 100kg will be installed two to three feet below each manhole cover. The grilles are intended to prevent children from falling into deep manholes and being swept away by water if covers are stolen, damaged or broken.

Officials said funds for the project had been released and a computerised list of all manholes had been prepared. A complete record will be maintained, while security and safety measures will be ensured after the installation of the grilles and covers.

The project will also cover the construction of protective walls and slabs around rainwater drains.