Bubanza Manholes Stolen, Posing Risk to Residents

• Several manholes belonging to Regideso have been left open after their metal covers were stolen in Bubanza.
• More than four people have already fallen into these manholes and been injured.
• Residents are calling for swift action to replace the stolen manhole covers with solid ones and strengthen security in downtown Bubanza.
• The situation is not unique to Bubanza, with similar issues reported in several towns and cities across Burundi.

The lack of proper security measures has led to accidents, injuries, and even potential hiding places for criminals.

In Bubanza, a town in western Burundi, several manholes belonging to the Water and Electricity Production and Distribution Authority (Regideso) have been left open after their metal covers were stolen. These gaping openings pose a significant danger to residents, especially children, who are at risk of falling into the manholes and being injured. According to eyewitness accounts, more than four people have already fallen into these manholes and been hurt. The situation is becoming increasingly worrying for residents, particularly those who use the roads regularly.

The lack of covers has led some residents to try and secure the areas with makeshift solutions, such as placing wooden planks over the openings. However, these temporary fixes are precarious and do not provide a long-term solution.

While the situation in Bubanza is alarming, it is not unique to this town. In several towns and cities across Burundi, manholes, gutters, and other structures built on public roads often remain open or are insufficiently secured, exposing passersby to the risk of falls and injuries. This raises concerns about the responsibility of local authorities and relevant services in identifying at-risk infrastructure and taking swift action to protect road users.

In Burundi, the Water and Electricity Production and Distribution Authority (Regideso) is responsible for managing the water distribution network. However, it appears that Regideso has not taken adequate measures to secure its manholes, leaving them vulnerable to theft and posing a risk to residents.

The situation in Bubanza highlights the need for authorities and relevant services to prioritize public safety and take immediate action to secure public spaces. The lack of proper security measures has led to accidents, injuries, and even potential hiding places for criminals. Residents are calling for swift action to replace the stolen manhole covers with solid ones and strengthen security in downtown Bubanza.

Lawyers advising clients on infrastructure projects in Burundi should be aware of the potential for manhole cover thefts and ensure that their contractors take measures to secure public spaces, including installing temporary covers or improving lighting at night.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]