Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared a total of 722 buildings, including 570 in Karachi, as hazardous and unfit for habitation or use, with some historic structures also included. Concerns of a surge in incidents due to rains have been underscored. “SBCA warns tenants to immediately vacate these buildings to safeguard precious human lives,” stated a spokesperson.
The Sindh Building Control Authority, under the directives of Director General Abdul RasheedSolangi, has accelerated the inspection process for hazardous buildings. A technical committee comprising expert civil engineers has been formed to expedite the survey of these compromised structures.
According to survey reports, as of now, a total of 570 buildings in Karachi, 81 in Hyderabad region, 60 in Sukkur region, 7 in MirpurKhas region, and 4 in Larkana region, have been declared hazardous and unfit for habitation or use. Notably, some of the risky buildings in Karachi are part of the national heritage. In this regard, SBCA has once again alerted occupants and users of hazardous buildings, especially in anticipation of upcoming rains, to vacate these buildings immediately to ensure the protection of lives and properties.
The sudden ground subsidence and fire incidents due to short circuits during heavy rains pose an increased risk of casualties.