Open manholes and drains cross Karachi: Zero tolerance will be applied against responsible: Nasir Shah

KARACHI: Sindh’s Minister for Local Government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah speaking about the tragic incident at NIPA Chowrangi, said it is unfortunate that immediately after the accident all institutions were busy blaming each other. Some claimed it was their line, others said it belonged to someone else, but the Sindh government’s position is clear: whoever was responsible and aware of the open manhole is fully accountable, and no one can be absolved of this negligence.

The Minister admitted that after the incident, no institution acted promptly, nor was immediate rescue carried out, which resulted in the loss of an innocent life. He stated that this year alone, 22 children have died falling into open manholes and drains, reflecting the severe failure of the Municipal Committee and Union Councils.

Nasir Hussain Shah said that the Mayor of Karachi personally visited the grieving family and apologized, while the Sindh government stands in full solidarity with the affected family. He added that clear orders have been issued by the leadership to ensure the immediate security of all manholes across the city, assign personnel to every sensitive manhole, and direct institutions to submit a full list of all manholes, their security status, and repair reports within 24 hours. He emphasized that wherever any negligence is found, strict action will be taken immediately, and zero tolerance will be applied against the responsible officers and staff.

The Minister urged citizens to immediately report any open or uncovered manhole they notice, to prevent further tragedies. He also noted that the NIPA Chowrangi incident is not the responsibility of a single department but a test for the entire machinery. The Sindh government has formed an investigative team to determine accountability, which will submit its report within 72 hours, while emergency sewer safety plans are being implemented across the city at full speed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025