App to give alert on open manholes

From now on, a new smart phone app will allert Dhaka dwellers to nearby manholes that have no lids and speed bumps that are not marked.

Development organisation Brac and cyclists' community BDcyclists yesterday launched an Android app “Road Safety Dhaka” yesterday.

The app will notify users about nearby unmarked speed bumps and manholes without their lids and the app users would be able to let others know about the dangers.

The two organisations had come up with the initiative as uncovered manholes and unmarked speed bumps cause a high number of accidents in the city. Some 600 accidents happen in the capital every month due to lidless manholes and unmarked speed humps.

Motorbike riders and cyclists were most vulnerable to such death traps, the organisers said.

Initially, the app identifies around 20 spots in the capital where such uncovered manholes and unmarked speed bumps exist.

Addressing the launching ceremony at the Brac Centre Inn, the organisers called upon all to use the app and report manholes without lids and unmarked sleeping policemen to enrich the service. They declared rewards for the best performing user.

They urged the authorities concerned to address the problems.