KARACHI:
In recent years, construction activity in most cities has been speeded up with state-of-the-art buildings being developed to rival skyscrapers around the world. The buildings are used for both commercial and residential purposes. Admittedly, the rapid construction of buildings and housing societies are enhancing the cities; however, their careless construction process is a cause of concern.
In Pakistan, most construction activities begin without any safety measures being undertaken or scaffolding against the plot/construction sites, which is extremely unsafe for pedestrians, vehicles, and others living nearby. We regularly hear of accidents on construction sites and bystanders getting themselves injured. Engineers and architects are usually only involved in the initial process of the construction and the rest is left to the labourers who are instructed to perform different tasks. Due to a lack of proper equipment and the absence of vigilance, the labourers climb on buildings via weak ladders or rods and perform dangerous antics, which has resulted in the deaths of many workers in the recent past.
Often labourers are careless during the construction process and fail to ensure that the foundation and structures of the buildings are sturdy because it is not a part of their jobs. Therefore, engineers and architects must remain present on-site to avoid any negligence during construction. Perhaps, the government should introduce a body to regulate the construction process and ensure that safety protocols are being followed by everyone. Also, the body should be responsible for the checks and maintenance of construction standards to ensure that all buildings/houses are well built and safe to live in.
Naveed Baloch
Hub
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2022.
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