Open manholes threat to lives of citizens

ISLAMABAD: Open manholes at certain places in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are causing serious problems for the residents of these localities.

Several open manholes in different areas including Pirwadhai, Dhoke Hasu, Saidpur Road, Double Road, Sector I-8 and Sector I-9 have been without covers for the last few months, endangering the lives of pedestrians and motorists alike.

These also cause accidents as vehicles get trapped and damaged in these open manholes.

Muhammad Ramzan, a resident of the locality complained that there are more than five open manholes and uncovered drains exit near main signal of double road Rawalpindi, which are a serious threat to the lives of residents and motorists.

Due to heavy rains in the city, the open manholes can cause accident, residents said, and added that there are many incidents in which people sustained injuries after falling into uncovered manholes.

Noor Ali Shah, a resident I-9 sector said that his motorbike was plunged to manhole and he got serious injuries.

He said there is another danger that people could fall into the manhole during rain so it should be covered.

He said open manhole could cause accidents so it should be covered for ensuring safety of the motorists.