Private sanitation workers continue to risk their lives by descending into the city’s manholes without safety gear, earning just a few hundred rupees for work that often costs them their lives.
At least six such workers have died of suffocation while cleaning sewers across the metropolis in just over a month.
According to a rescue organisation spokesperson, the deaths occurred in Sohrab Goth, Garden and Landhi areas — two in Sohrab Goth, three in Garden, and one in Landhi. Four of the deaths were reported in Sept and two in early October. All victims were privately hired daily-wage workers lacking safety equipment or training.
Shahbaz Masih, an administrator at a private cleaning firm, said most private sanitation workers come from poor Christian families and have been doing this work for generations.
“Cleaning sewers is a highly dangerous job. These workers are skilled but have no safety kits or training. They rely only on their experience and risk their lives daily,” he said, adding that government-employed sanitation workers are at least provided with protective gear and support in case of accidents.
Urban planner Muhammad Tauheed explained that while the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) and other government bodies use machines for sewer cleaning, private workers — hired by residents or small businesses — perform the job manually.
“They go down with just a rope, a bamboo stick, and a bucket. The poisonous gases inside can kill within minutes,” he warned, urging the government to register and train these workers and provide them with safety kits.
Jaan Masih, a resident of Essa Nagri who cleans sewers privately, said poverty forces them into this deadly work. “We have no choice. We clean with our bare hands and face poisonous gases. If one of us dies, no one helps our family,” he said.
Social activist Naveed Bhatti said that private sanitation workers are not entitled to any compensation. “Government employees at least get benefits if they die on duty. But these private workers get nothing. It’s sheer exploitation,” he lamented.
Nand Kumar, another worker from Ranchore Line, said they charge around Rs500 for general cleaning and Rs1,500 for manholes, but people often haggle and pay less. “This is economic exploitation. We do the dirtiest and riskiest job, yet we are treated the worst,” he said.
Ilyas Masih said that he worked in sewers for 40 years. He has now left the job. He stated that those who work in sewers face serious health issues and various diseases. They suffer from skin diseases, chest problems, and various types of allergies. Gutter men dive in manholes filled with excreta, chemical and industrial waste to clear the blockage. “We have no life or health insurance and have to go to government run hospitals for treatment,” Ilyas said.
Arif Masih, who oversees sanitation work at a government department, stressed the need for strict safety protocols. “Manhole cleaning should only be done with ladders, gloves, masks, safety goggles, and gas checks. No one should enter without precautions,” he said.
MPA and Parliamentary Secretary for Minority Affairs Ruma Mushtaq Matto termed the recent deaths “deeply tragic” and said the provincial government plans to introduce training and safety measures for private sanitation workers.
