Karachi residents can now report missing or open manhole covers quickly through a dedicated helpline, ensuring timely action and improved public safety.
Earlier this year, the Sindh government announced a dedicated hotline allowing citizens to report open drains and manholes, with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) promising prompt action.
The government assured residents that the city would supply as many manhole covers as needed to improve safety.
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The residents of Karachi can report the missing manhole covers at the dedicated helpline 1334.
Last year, in 2024, 71,000 covers were installed across various areas of the metropolis. The government stressed that protecting citizens’ lives is a top priority for the city administration.
The move comes after the tragic death of a three-year-old boy named Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole near Nipa Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.
His body was recovered 14 hours after the incident from another open manhole from the 1 kilometer of the incident site.
READ: Three-year-old boy lost life after falling into open manhole near Karachi’s Nipa Flyover
A new report shows that Karachi logged 1,543 complaints about missing manhole covers between 23 October and 1 December, underscoring a serious public-safety issue across the city’s 25 towns, as reported by ARY News.
The Karachi Water Corporation (KWC) received complaints about missing manhole covers from all 25 towns of the city, with 1,449 cases resolved so far.
READ: Karachi Nipa Incident: Trash picker claims to have found Ibrahim’s body
North Nazimabad Town reported the highest number, 169 complaints, making it the most affected area.
New Karachi Town recorded 149 complaints specifically concerning open manholes, while Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town ranked third with 110 complaints.
Authorities highlighted that a tragic incident, where a three-year-old child fell into an open manhole, occurred in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town.
Of its 110 complaints, 107 have already been addressed, the KWC stated.
Other towns also reported notable figures: Jinnah Town 65, Saddar Town 64, Lyari Town 37, Keamari Town 46, and Liaquatabad Town 36 complaints.
Landhi Town recorded 49 complaints, Korangi Town 92, and Malir Town 39.
SITE Town lodged 17, Model Colony 40, and Safoora Town 94 complaints.
READ: Karachi: Lyari Town calls for urgent action on open manhole
Shah Faisal Town reported 56 complaints, Chanesar Town 47, Baldia Town 50, while Sohrab Goth Town had the lowest, just three complaints.
Officials stressed that the report highlights the ongoing need for strict monitoring and a prompt response system to prevent further accidents across Karachi.