13.000 Manholes Without Covers In San José Alone
September 2nd, 2010 | by admin | 
Besides having to dodge potholes, drivers have to also be wary of missing manholes covers.
In San José alone it is estimated that 13.000 manholes are completely open, without a cover, assumed stolen by thieves who trade the metal for cash.
Municipalities say they are continually replacing manhole covers, but cannot keep up with the pace of thefts and curb the problem.
The municipalidad de San José says it spends on average ¢35 million colones a year to replace manhole covers. Marco Solórzano, head of the Alcantarillado Pluvial de San José, however, says there are no exact figures on how many covers are replaced a year.
In some cases manholes covers are welded on or tied down with heavy chain links to hamper criminals, especially drug addicts who see the manhole covers as a way for some quick cash.
In some cases, on streets with less traffic, plastic covers are being used.
The lack of manhole covers, in addition to being a hazard for drivers, also mean that the sewer systems fill up with refuse and plug up, contributing to the flooding during heavy rain fall.
When all is said and done, there seems to be no solution in sight.
