By Alia Zarar Khan
Across Pakistan, the same tragic stories keep recurring. People, sometimes children, sometimes unsuspecting adults, fall into open manholes. Every time it happens, outrage spreads, social media lights up, and the finger of blame points firmly at the government. And yet, despite repeated warnings and extensive reporting, these incidents continue to occur. This cycle of tragedy followed by condemnation is not only heartbreaking but also reflects a wider reluctance to acknowledge the shared responsibility that public safety demands. To place the blame entirely on municipal authorities or government agencies is, in my view, both simplistic and unfair. While governance plays a critical role in public safety, no level of municipal oversight can entirely prevent the consequences of individual or collective negligence.
In Pakistan, blaming the government has almost become a reflex. When something goes wrong, it is the authorities who are held accountable, regardless of the circumstances. Yet public safety, particularly in the context of streets, drains, and manholes, is a joint responsibility. Citizens have a duty to remain vigilant, to watch where they walk, and to ensure the safety of those around them, especially children. Without active engagement from the community, even the best infrastructure can fail to prevent accidents. Municipal authorities and government agencies have made substantial efforts over the years. Roads are maintained, sewer systems repaired, and manhole covers replaced periodically to mitigate risks. Despite these efforts, the desired level of public safety remains elusive.
However, the real question is whether it is fair to place the full weight of responsibility on authorities alone. When pedestrians ignore warning signs, fail to pay attention while walking, or allow children to play unsupervised near streets, they contribute to the hazards themselves. Human inattention, distraction, and carelessness are factors that infrastructure alone cannot counteract. One particularly serious contributor to these incidents is the theft of manhole lids. Removable covers are often taken for scrap or resale, leaving gaping holes in streets, sidewalks, and lanes. This is a societal problem, not merely a municipal one. Authorities can install lids, conduct inspections, and replace stolen covers, but they cannot instill moral responsibility in citizens.
Without public awareness, ethical behavior, and community vigilance, safety measures remain incomplete, no matter how robust the infrastructure may be. The solution, therefore, cannot rely solely on governmental action. It must be multi-layered, combining durable infrastructure with community engagement, technological monitoring, and behavioural awareness. One practical measure is to replace removable manhole lids with non-removable alternatives or secure locking systems. Protective fencing or drainage grates can allow water to flow while preventing human entry. Theft and resale of manhole covers should be met with strict penalties, sending a clear message that such actions carry serious consequences. Technology, too, has a role to play. Sensors and GPS mapping can be used to monitor open manholes, while smartphone applications could enable citizens to alert authorities immediately about missing or damaged lids.
Equally important is education and awareness. Schools can play a pivotal role in teaching children about street safety, warning them of the dangers posed by open drains and manholes. Parents must supervise their children more carefully and reinforce basic safety habits. Community volunteers can also step in to provide temporary safeguards, such as placing warning signs or temporary barriers until official repairs are completed. These measures do not replace the role of government but complement it, creating a network of vigilance that extends beyond official oversight. Infrastructure can protect, but vigilance saves. The two must work hand in hand. While the government invests in durable roads, secure sewer systems, and safe manhole covers, citizens cannot abdicate their responsibility.
Walking cautiously, supervising children, reporting hazards promptly, and respecting public property are all part of a shared responsibility. Safety is not a gift that can be delivered from above—it is a practice that every individual contributes to daily. This is a conversation about more than manholes. It is a reflection on civic responsibility, social ethics, and the practical limits of governance. It highlights the fact that public safety is a collective effort. When an accident occurs, crying over the consequences is not enough. What is needed is foresight, accountability, and a willingness to act both individually and collectively. A city or a country cannot function safely if citizens assume someone else will always protect them, and authorities cannot create perfect systems in a society unwilling to respect them.
(The writer is a law graduate and advocate of the high court in Pakistan, currently based in Saudi Arabia, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
