Peshawar: manhole cover thefts risk lives, incur millions in losses 

PESHAWAR: The recurring problem of missing manhole covers persists in various parts of the city like the previous year. This absence of covers poses serious threat threat, resulting in minor and major accidents involving both children and adults.

In different localities of Peshawar, the absence of manhole covers puts the lives of the city’s residents at serious risk.

Data from the year 2022 reveals that 4,400 manhole covers were reported stolen in various areas of Peshawar. Many of these incidents occurred at night, with some even taking place during daylight hours. Consequently, in 2022 alone, the Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) incurred losses of 110 million rupees due to these thefts.

WSSP spokesperson, Hassan Ali, disclosed that CCTV footage obtained from various areas has revealed the involvement of drug-addicted individuals in these thefts.

Furthermore, it has come to light that an organized group was also responsible for these manhole cover thefts. These thieves typically operated at night, utilizing small vehicles or rickshaws to transport the stolen manhole covers.

Cost of installing new manhole covers

According to WSSP spokesperson Hasan Ali, the cost of installing manhole covers of different sizes varies across different areas. The smallest iron manhole cover can cost up to 15,000 rupees for purchase and installation. However, these prices fluctuate depending on the size of the covers required for various manholes. For larger-sized manhole covers, the expenses can soar to 70,000 rupees.

Manhole theft situation in the current year (2023)

Hasan Ali, the spokesperson for WSSP, informed Hum News English that the series of manhole cover thefts witnessed in the previous year continues into the current year as well.

Over the past eight months, more than 1,500 incidents of manhole cover theft have been reported, resulting in substantial financial losses for the company.

Complaints regarding missing manhole covers from various areas pour in daily, forcing the organization to install new covers to prevent accidents. These incidents have once again led to significant financial losses for the company this year.

Measures to combat manhole cover thefts

Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar spokesperson Hasan Ali states that, akin to the previous year, the identification of suspects involved in manhole cover thefts through CCTV footage has been carried out this year as well. Several individuals have been apprehended in connection with these incidents and have faced legal consequences as per the law. However, due to rising inflation and unfavorable economic conditions, new individuals are also being found involved in manhole cover thefts.

According to Hasan Ali, the only solution to prevent these theft incidents and save millions of rupees in losses for the company is to replace iron manhole covers with cement ones.

The WSSP administration has decided to install cement covers throughout the city, which is the sole viable solution available to the company to avoid significant financial losses. Work on this initiative is expected to commence shortly.