1,543 Manhole Complaints Recorded in 40 Days
Karachi is grappling with a severe urban infrastructure crisis as municipal data reveals 1,543 complaints about missing manhole covers across the city’s 25 towns in just 40 days. The alarming figures highlight systemic failures in public safety maintenance, with North Nazimabad emerging as the worst-affected area with 169 reported cases, followed by Gulshan-e-Iqbal with 110 complaints.
Tragic Incident Exposes Fatal Consequences
The data release comes amid public outrage over the recent death of a three-year-old boy who fell into an uncovered manhole near Nipa Chowrangi. This preventable tragedy has intensified scrutiny of the Karachi Water Corporation’s maintenance protocols, with citizens demanding immediate corrective measures and accountability for negligence.
Water Corporation’s Response Raises Questions
While the Karachi Water Corporation claims to have addressed most complaints, the persistent recurrence of incidents suggests ineffective long-term solutions. Municipal experts warn that temporary cover replacements without proper securing mechanisms and regular inspections continue to endanger lives, particularly during monsoon seasons when drainage systems face maximum pressure.
Civic Activists Demand Systemic Reforms
Urban planners and community leaders are calling for:
- Digital monitoring systems for manhole maintenance
- Strict penalties for theft of iron covers
- Emergency response protocols for hazardous infrastructure reports
- Public awareness campaigns about reporting uncovered drains
The crisis has reignited debates about municipal governance and resource allocation in Pakistan’s largest city, where aging infrastructure struggles to meet the demands of a growing population.
