Karachi, December 2, 2025. In response to the tragic death of a three-year-old child following a fall into an uncovered manhole near the Nipa Flyover, The Bridge for Resilience, Empowerment & Development Organization (BREDO), issues this urgent appeal for comprehensive safety measures.
The Express Tribune+2Dawn+2
Summary of Concerns
| 1 | An open manhole located in front of a public store in Gulshan-e-Iqbal lacked protective covering or barricades, leading to a child slipping and falling in. The Express Tribune+1 |
| 2 | Frequent incidents in Karachi and elsewhere underscore systemic negligence of basic civic safety protocols. Dawn+1 |
| 3 | The risk extends beyond children to pedestrians, sanitation workers, and vulnerable community members, indicating an urgent need for coordinated action. |
Immediate Response and Safety Precautions
Speaking on behalf of the organization, Mr. Ali Sohaib, Secretary-General of BREDO, extended heartfelt condolences to the affected family and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting preventive measures. He emphasized that no child or citizen should ever face life-threatening danger due to exposed drains, missing manhole covers, or neglected public works.
“No life should be lost to avoidable safety lapses. We call upon all relevant authorities to urgently audit, cover, and secure every open manhole and drain across the city,” said Mr. Ali Sohaib.
BREDO recommends the following immediate measures:
| 1 | Conduct an urgent city-wide survey to identify all open manholes and drainage covers. |
| 2 | Install durable coverings, metal lids, or secure barricades at all identified locations. |
| 3 | Apply visible warning signage and adequate lighting in high-footfall or residential areas. |
| 4 | Launch public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to report missing covers or unsafe drains. |
| 5 | Assign clear accountability to municipal agencies responsible for maintenance and inspections. |
Stakeholders’ Role
| 1 | Municipal authorities and civic bodies must prioritize drain and sewer safety maintenance. |
| 2 | Local businesses and community associations are urged to cooperate with reporting and securing hazards near commercial premises. |
| 3 | Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and alert relevant authorities immediately upon noticing open manholes or unsafe drains. |
| 4 | Media and civil society organisations should help amplify public awareness of this systemic hazard. |
Long-Term Commitment
BREDO commits to working alongside the city government, emergency responders, including rescue services, and civil society to develop a comprehensive safety audit and remediation roadmap within the next 30 days. The organisations will monitor compliance and provide public status updates.
About BREDO
BREDO is a non-profit civic organization dedicated to ensuring safe, sustainable, and secure urban infrastructure. It collaborates with municipal agencies, community groups, and safety advocates to promote responsible urban management and protect citizens’ lives.
Contact
Email: info@thebredo.org
Phone: +92 337 2131 720
