The investigation into the tragic death of a child who fell into a manhole near NIPA in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area has been completed.  The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has submitted its inquiry report to the Secretary of the Local Government Department, holding the construction work of the BRT Red Line responsible for the incident.  According to the report prepared by the Senior Director of Municipal Services, a rescue operation to search for the child was launched on the orders of the Mayor of Karachi.

The child’s body was later recovered from a link drain in Gulshan Town.  The inspection confirmed that the accident occurred due to the ongoing BRT construction activities. Excavation for the BRT project had severely damaged the drainage system, and temporary two-foot covers were used in an attempt to block the manholes.  The report states that the tragedy occurred because a manhole at the site was left open by the Red Line project team.

It further notes that such procedures and substandard covers have never been used by KMC.  Also read: Karachi Water Corporation acts on over 1,500 uncovered manhole complaints in 38 days  The BRT authorities did not inform KMC before starting the excavation, and after digging, the situation was ignored. The inquiry concludes that negligence by both the private store management and the BRT project led to the child falling into the manhole. The excavated portions have now been refilled under official supervision. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)