KARACHI – The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has announced a major initiative to improve the maintenance of manhole covers and streetlights across the city. The plan comes after public outrage over the tragic death of three-year-old Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole.
Under the new local government system introduced in 2023, KMC will allocate nearly Rs300 million annually, providing Rs100,000 per month for each of the 246 union committees (UCs). The funds are specifically dedicated to the upkeep of manhole covers and streetlights in their respective areas.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the initiative gives fiscal space to UCs in addition to the manhole covers already placed by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) and streetlights maintained by KMC. The mayor emphasized that this mechanism ensures local issues are addressed efficiently.
The KWSC has instructed towns and UCs to oversee the smooth coverage of manhole covers. Additionally, the KMC has launched a helpline for residents to report open manhole covers or damaged streetlights.
Mayor Wahab expressed hope that the new system would prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of Karachi’s residents. He described the plan as a vital step toward creating a safer, better-lit city.
The mayor added that empowering UCs to manage local infrastructure would lead to faster responses to public complaints and improve overall municipal services. Officials said that regular inspections and timely maintenance of manhole covers are now a top priority under this program.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, noting that safer streets and properly covered manholes will reduce accidents and improve the quality of life in Karachi. Authorities continue to stress that public participation through the helpline is essential to making the city safer.
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With these measures, KMC aims to strengthen accountability, enhance safety, and ensure that all 246 union committees actively monitor manhole covers and streetlights in their neighborhoods.
