THE way building bylaws are openly flouted in our country,
the incidents of building collapse have become more frequent with Karachi probably topping the list. In an another unfortunate incident, a multi storey residential building collapsed on Sunday night in Lyari’s Liaquat colony killing at least two people and injuring many others.
Given its dilapidated condition, the building was declared dangerous six months ago. This raises a question as to why the authorities concerned did not move to knock it down by using the machines in a safe manner. It appears as if they were waiting for the building to collapse itself and then remove its rubble. But this comes with human casualties. It is incumbent upon the Sindh Government to immediately order investigation into the incident and those found faltering on their responsibilities must be dealt with in accordance with the law. Action is imperative to awake the officials of concerned departments including Sindh Building Control Authority (SCBA) from the deep slumber. In addition, a large scale building assessment activity must be started in the provincial capital to identify these rickety buildings for demolition. The owners must also be assisted in rebuilding plans. Illegal constructions and violation of building bylaws is quite common not only in Karachi but in the entire country. Only prominent builders such as Bahria Town are seen following certain SOPs and building bylaws whilst majority have no regard for them. Each structure standing in violation of bylaws is a death-trap and the building collapses over the years have proven that true. Time has come that strict action is taken against those violating the building laws which need to be further refined and strengthened at the same time. For the safety of the people, departments such as SCBA must fulfil their responsibility and regularly check and examine the multi storey building in the construction phase to ensure compliance of laws. Buildings should be built to provide shelter and comfort to the people, not to kill them.
