Manhole
By Uwumarogie Peter
Abuja, March 29, 2018 (NAN) The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) says it is putting measures in place to check the increasing theft of metal covers of manholes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mr Muktar Ibrahim, Head of Information and Outreach, AEPB, said this on Thursday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He called on the security agencies to apprehend those who engaged in the theft of manhole covers, which were purportedly sold to blacksmiths who redesigned them into other metal products.
NAN reports that there has been increasing cases of theft of manhole covers theft across the FCT, particularly in Jabi, Central Business Area and Utako Districts.
Ibrahim said that the board had made available mobile courts for the immediate trial of culprits, who were apprehended for removing manhole covers.
He said that as part of measures put in place to stem the rising wave of theft of manhole covers, AEPB had also instructed its engineers to fabricate less attractive covers that would discourage thieves from stealing the covers.
“The board had thought out lasting solutions that will nip this embarrassing menace in the bud and restore the beauty of Abuja roads.
“Due to the increasing theft of manhole covers, the board has mandated its engineers to come up with a cover design that will deter the criminals from stealing the covers.
“They will fabricate manhole covers that would be less attractive to these criminals and bring out the beauty of the city.
“ It is encouraging to state that the new design of manhole covers will now be made of concrete instead of cast iron.
“When the thieves steal these metal manhole covers, they probably go and melt them for economic purposes; so the practice has been attracting them to go around stealing manhole covers.
“ Manhole cover is a removable plate that is made to prevent people or waste from falling into the manhole.
“It is a pity to see that this is happening in a city we see as our pride as Nigerians.
“Open manholes allow some environmental unfriendly persons to dump garbage inside the holes.
“This results in blockage of the drainage, while creating serious environmental burden for the liquid waste department of the board,’’ he added. (NAN)
UP/JTJ/OOK
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Edited by Julius Toba Jegede and Dayo Komolafe