SARGODHA: Two sanitary workers of Metropolitan Corporation (MC) were asphyxiated while desilting a sewer line and one was shifted to DHQ teaching hospital in a critical condition.

After the incident, family members of the victims blocked the roads at general bus stand and Noori Gate by placing the bodies of Faisal Danial and Nadeem alias Deema and blamed respective officials who allegedly forced them to work on Sunday late night without taking precautionary measures.

On Monday, the entire sanitary staff of MC observed a complete strike and expressed their grave concern over the alleged apathy and negligence of MC officials who usually forced sanitary workers to work without taking precautionary steps despite knowing the fatal consequences of sewer gas.

Faisal Danial, Nadeem and Javed Michael were desilting a manhole and died of poisonous gas while Javed Michael fainted and was shifted to local hospital.

Rescue 1122 reached the spot but were unable to recover bodies of the sanitary workers, however another sanitary worker Shahbaz succeeded to trace bodies after eight-hour efforts.

Meanwhile, the chief minister took notice of death of two sanitary workers and sought a report from the commissioner and directed to take stern action against those responsible for the incident.

Commissioner/Admini-strator Metropolitan Corporation Dr. Farah Masood constituted an inquiry committee, headed by the additional commissioner (revenue) and sought a report within three days. Other members are director (local government), the assistant commissioner and deputy director (technical).

Three supervisors Farooq Rasheed, Amjad Prervez and Rana Rashid Mehmood were suspended from service over their alleged negligence resulting in the death of the sanitary workers.

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2021