By Stella Mwalwanda

Mzuzu, November 29, Mana: The construction of underground tunnels for service providers is a key strategy to reduce congestion caused by utility infrastructure in urban areas, both above ground and in open spaces.

These tunnels are accessed through manholes, which serve as entry points for various purposes, including the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities.

However, in Mzuzu City most manholes are uncovered, turning into waste dumping pits besides posing danger to road users.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, recently, Public Relations Manager for Northern Region Water Board (NRWB), Edward Nyirenda said some manholes are uncovered due to vandalism and theft adding that in some cases, manhole covers are destroyed by heavy traffic in places where they are placed.

“Currently, we are working on replacing and installing all damaged manhole covers across our supply area using up to date locking mechanism and antitheft devices.

Maintenance is usually within three to six months and we also conduct regular patrols and monitoring of such structures,” said Nyirenda

Nyirenda noted that uncovered manholes pose a risk to water supply pipes, potentially leading to damage that can disrupt the availability, reliability, and sustainability of the board’s services.

Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu City Council, McDonald Gondwe said that the council has never engaged the service providers on the issues.

He, however said that the council alert road users to follow precaution measures to avoid accidents due to the uncovered manholes.

“The uncovered manholes pose a risk to all road users as they are turned into hideouts for thieves and waste dumping places,” said Gondwe.

One of the road users, Osman Mkumbwa said that he wished that the manholes were far from the pedestrians walking sides so that people don’t fall into such unsafe holes.