Soaring poverty has led to an increase in the theft of manhole covers, and more recently train parts from Tripoli’s Railway station. A manhole cover weights around 70kg and is being sold for around $100, which is twice as much as Lebanon’s minimum wage, given that one dollar is now worth over LL12,000.
The authorities haven’t yet arrested the thieves, and the inability to replace these manholes is making the streets increasingly perilous for vehicles and pedestrians, especially at night. If the ministry of public works can’t do its job, the municipalities have to take the initiative and cover them ASAP to avoid unfortunate accidents.
Check out this alarming video shared by YASA on this matter: