Broken manhole covers ‘smirk’ at MC’s apathy

LUDHIANA: Broken manhole covers in the city are giving an open invitation to mishaps It is learnt that the work to replace the damaged covers is hanging fire due to shortage of covers

Updated At : 12:55 PM Jun 20, 2019 IST

A broken manhole cover at a colony on Pakhowal Road Ludhiana. Tribune photo

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 19

Broken manhole covers in the city are giving an open invitation to mishaps. It is learnt that the work to replace the damaged covers is hanging fire due to “shortage” of covers.

According to information, the civic body had a contract for maintenance of manholes with a private contractor. Some councillors of Ludhiana East constituency claimed that the officials blame the contractor for failing to replace the broken covers. Besides, residents also raised questions over maintenance works, as manhole and road gully covers have broken in various parts of the city.

Councillor from Ward Number 12, Naresh Kumar, said: “The covers of around 20 manholes have broken and are required to be replaced at the earliest. We have complained to the JE concerned about broken manholes in the ward, but the official said the contractor concerned is not repairing these.”

Sanjay Talwar, MLA from Ludhiana East, has written to the MC Commissioner to take required measures to replace the broken manhole covers and road gullies. He demanded from the commissioner to issue instructions to all officials concerned of the O&M cell to immediately take necessary action to avoid the chances of any mishap. “If any tragedy takes place, the MC officials concerned will be held responsible,” he said.

Meanwhile, a resident of Pakhowal Road had also filed a complaint about the broken manhole a week ago, but the complaint is still pending. “Broken manhole covers should be repaired immediately, as anybody can meet with a mishap. The government should also direct the authorities concerned to ensure the replacement of broken covers on a priority,” said Satinder Singh, a resident.

An official said: “The contractor is delaying the supply of manhole covers, due to which work to replace damaged covers is getting delayed. There are complaints from different parts of the city about damaged manhole covers.”

Superintending Engineer Rajinder Singh could not be contacted for comments. Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu said: “The councillors are given quota and they can also get maintenance works done. Besides, the manhole covers will be supplied by tomorrow.”