In a decisive move to enhance public safety, Commissioner of Rawalpindi Engineer Aamir Khattak has issued urgent directives for a comprehensive inspection of manholes across the region. On Friday, he presided over a review meeting on Performance Monitoring Indicators at his office, where he mandated that teams at the Union Council level conduct thorough checks of manholes in their respective areas and submit detailed reports within 24 hours.
Immediate Action Required for Manhole Safety
Commissioner Khattak emphasized that based on these reports, immediate tasking will be undertaken to ensure that no manhole remains uncovered. He highlighted that manhole covers and cleanliness are key performance indicators under the Punjab Chief Minister’s Performance Monitoring framework, due to their direct impact on public safety. The commissioner urged the public to play an active role by immediately reporting any open or damaged manholes to the relevant administrative offices.
High-Level Meeting and Attendees
The review meeting was attended by several key officials, including Additional Commissioner Coordination Xenia Humayun, Director General of the Punjab Housing Authority Ahmed Hassan Ranjha, Managing Director of WASA, Director of Health, and the Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Corporation Rawalpindi. Additionally, Deputy Commissioners of Murree, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum joined the session via video link, ensuring a coordinated approach across districts.
Prioritizing Public Safety at Project Sites
Commissioner Khattak stressed that public safety must be prioritized at all project sites. He directed that all machinery and ongoing work areas be fully covered and clearly marked with warning signboards to protect passersby. Furthermore, he instructed that all complaints regarding manhole covers and cleanliness must be addressed promptly to prevent accidents and ensure community well-being.
Accountability and Administrative Measures
The deputy commissioners were also instructed to ensure cleanliness and implement robust administrative measures in their districts. Commissioner Khattak called for the issuance of comprehensive standard operating procedures that clearly define responsibilities, aiming to ensure accountability in cases of negligence. This step is part of a broader effort to streamline governance and enhance public trust in local administration.
This initiative underscores the Rawalpindi administration's commitment to proactive governance and safeguarding citizens from potential hazards, aligning with Punjab's performance monitoring goals for improved public service delivery.
