In a decisive move to address a growing public safety crisis, the Deputy Commissioner of Shaheed Benazirabad, Abdul Samad Nizamani, has issued urgent directives to tackle the dangerous problem of open manholes and blocked sewer lines across the district.
Immediate Threat to Citizens Sparks Action
The administration's intervention comes in response to a surge in complaints from residents, particularly in various areas of Nawabshah city. The issues highlighted include exposed drainage points, improper wastewater disposal, and severely clogged sewer lines. Expressing his strong displeasure over the situation, DC Nizamani has mandated all Municipal and Town Municipal Committees (TMCs) to implement emergency measures without delay.
An official letter outlining the required actions has been dispatched to committees in HM Khoja Town, Old Nawabshah, Daur, Bandhi, Jam Sahib, Bucheri, Sakrand, Qazi Ahmed, Daulatpur, and Shahpur Jahania. The communication underscores that open drainage lines and manholes present a severe risk to the community, especially to children and pedestrians.
Past Incidents and Public Outcry
The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that this is not a new problem. Several people have previously suffered injuries after falling into these uncovered manholes, raising serious questions about the performance of the departments responsible for maintenance. The hazardous conditions have also become a topic of intense discussion on both social media and in print, amplifying public concern.
One-Week Deadline for Inspection and Repair
DC Abdul Samad Nizamani has given the municipal bodies a strict timeline of one week to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire drainage network within their jurisdictions. The directives are clear and specific:
- All blocked drainage lines must be thoroughly cleaned and reopened.
- Every open manhole must be immediately covered with proper lids, tops, or slabs.
- Any broken or missing covers are to be replaced promptly.
Furthermore, to prevent the recurrence of such negligence, the DC has instructed all municipal administrations to establish an effective and permanent monitoring system. For accountability, each committee must submit a detailed report of the compliance campaign, supported by photographic evidence, to the DC's office within the same one-week period. This report will then be forwarded to the relevant higher authorities.
Broader Context: A Mega Project on the Horizon
This crackdown on drainage infrastructure occurs as the district anticipates the launch of a Rs 14 billion mega sewerage project, scheduled to begin within the current month. The urgent repairs ordered by the DC are seen as critical interim measures to ensure public safety until the large-scale project can address systemic issues.
The Deputy Commissioner's firm stance signals a commitment to resolving long-standing civic problems and holding municipal bodies accountable for the basic safety and well-being of the citizens of Shaheed Benazirabad.
