In a decisive move to prevent urban tragedies, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lahore, Muhammad Ali, has declared a policy of zero tolerance towards uncovered manholes and drainage pits across the city. This stern directive comes in the immediate aftermath of a recent incident where a citizen was severely injured after falling into an open manhole.
Strict Directives Following a Painful Incident
The Deputy Commissioner's office has confirmed that the orders were issued during a high-priority meeting held on Saturday, December 21, 2024. The meeting was convened specifically to address the glaring issue of unsafe drainage infrastructure. DC Muhammad Ali personally chaired the session, which included senior officials from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and other relevant civic bodies.
Expressing grave concern over the negligence that led to the accident, the DC mandated that all field officers must now conduct daily physical inspections of manholes and drainage covers within their assigned zones. He emphasized that merely relying on reports is unacceptable; officers must be physically present on the ground to verify the safety of these public fixtures.
A New Regime of Accountability and Safety
The new protocol leaves no room for ambiguity. The Deputy Commissioner has made it clear that any officer found negligent in their duty to ensure these covers are securely in place will face strict disciplinary action. This accountability measure is intended to create a culture of proactive maintenance rather than reactive response after accidents occur.
Furthermore, the DC has instructed the relevant authorities, primarily WASA, to immediately begin the process of repairing or replacing any damaged, missing, or loose manhole covers. The directive underscores that public safety is non-negotiable and that the administration will hold itself and its departments to the highest standard of service delivery.
Protecting Citizens from Hidden Urban Dangers
Open manholes represent a severe and often overlooked hazard in bustling metropolitan areas like Lahore. They pose a critical threat to pedestrians, motorcyclists, and children, especially during the rainy season or at night when visibility is low. The recent injury has served as a stark reminder of the potential for fatal consequences.
By instituting a system of daily inspections and promising severe consequences for lapses, the district administration aims to systematically eliminate this danger. The move is being seen as part of a broader effort to improve urban governance and infrastructure resilience in the provincial capital.
The success of this drive will depend on consistent enforcement and the commitment of the field staff. Citizens of Lahore are hopeful that this decisive action will lead to safer streets and a more responsive civic administration, ensuring that such preventable accidents become a thing of the past.
