Karachi residents can now quickly report missing or open manhole covers through a dedicated helpline, improving public safety and enabling faster action.
Earlier this year, the Sindh government set up a hotline for citizens to report open drains and manholes, with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) assuring a timely response.
Authorities also confirmed that the city would provide as many manhole covers as needed to ensure safety. Residents can call 1334 to report any missing covers.
The initiative follows the tragic death of three-year-old Ibrahim, who fell into an open manhole near Nipa Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. His body was recovered 14 hours later from another open manhole about a kilometer from the incident site.
A recent report shows that Karachi received 1,543 complaints about missing manhole covers between October 23 and December 1, highlighting a serious safety issue across all 25 towns, according to ARY News. The Karachi Water Corporation confirmed that 1,449 cases have been resolved so far.
North Nazimabad Town reported the highest number of complaints at 169, followed by New Karachi Town with 149, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town with 110 complaints, where Ibrahim’s accident occurred. Of Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s complaints, 107 have already been addressed.
Other towns also reported significant numbers: Jinnah Town 65, Saddar Town 64, Lyari Town 37, Keamari Town 46, Liaquatabad Town 36, Landhi Town 49, Korangi Town 92, Malir Town 39, SITE Town 17, Model Colony 40, Safoora Town 94, Shah Faisal Town 56, Chanesar Town 47, Baldia Town 50, while Sohrab Goth had the fewest with just three complaints.
Officials emphasized that the report underscores the urgent need for strict monitoring and a prompt response system to prevent further accidents across Karachi.