BMA workers fight to counter spate of manhole cover thefts

To improve pedestrian safety along the city’s streets and prevent the theft of manhole covers, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) convened yesterday to discuss options.

Narong Ruangsri, deputy permanent secretary of the BMA yesterday chaired the meeting that involved the Public Works Department, Drainage and Sewerage Department, Traffic and Transportation Department, Metropolitan Waterworks Authority, Mass Rapid Transit Authority, National Telecom, Highways Department and Metropolitan Electricity Authority ( MEA ).

A 59-year-old man died Friday after falling into a 15-metre-deep hole supervised by the MEA on a street gate in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area.

The victim allegedly fell onto the wood cover while crossing the road when he stepped onto it, which had been used to replace a stolen metal hole support.

A bicyclist died Sunday night in the Thon Buri district after colliding with a drainage system inside the Mahai Sawan overpass.

After the door was stolen and not replaced, one area of the drain system was left empty. In light of the instances, the BMA has stressed the need for security measures to be implemented along roads, according to Mr. Narong, who will conduct stringent inspections both before and after MEA job.

The problem may be resolved within 24 hours, so related central officials and district offices have been given the order to increase inspections and promptly report any irregularities.

Additionally, the BMA stressed the inclusion of relevant organizations that handle public complaints submitted through City Hall’s reporting program, Traffy Fondue. He claimed that periodic re-inspections may be carried out to make sure the issues were properly resolved.

After each problem has been fixed, the BMA is developing an app to collect people feedback.

City Hall may consult with appropriate organizations to choose whether to change the material of manhole covers or install a lock system. To provide real-time reports on the city’s manhole cover status, an artificial intelligence ( AI ) system might be added.

Around construction sites, there must be warning signs for every hole.

Assistant MEA government Satit Pongsathonwiboon even mentioned plans to replace manhole covers with ultra-high-performance practical in areas where theft is greatest first.