KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab emphasized that the “open manhole” issue should not be seen through a political perspective amid increasing criticism over rising fatalities in the city.
Speaking at Kidney Hill Park a day after an eight-year-old boy died after falling into an open sewer in Korangi’s Mehran Town, Wahab stated that the problem of missing or displaced covers should not be politicized.
He mentioned he is in contact with the family of the child who recently died.The mayor explained that the cover was removed and set aside, citing an initial investigation. He also revealed that Rs100,000 was allocated to the relevant Union Council on December 9-10 for cover replacement.
Without directly naming PTI’s Alamgir Khan, Wahab noted that a person from a certain political party recently claimed to have installed all missing covers, while another individual made a video alleging covers went missing.
He blamed Union Council chairmen for neglect, pointing out that North Nazimabad UC’s leader had traveled to Lahore and questioned who signs in his stead.
Wahab assured that KMC will continue hiring contractors based on performance and warned that those who do not deliver will be blacklisted. He added that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is not being blackmailed and that several development projects will be underway next year.
