Monsoon threat: Old Pindi buildings pose danger to residents

Residents cite lack of resources to build, repair homes and heritage as reasons for staying

RAWALPINDI: Old and dilapidated buildings in various localities of the city — mostly inhabited by middle and lower-middle class families —pose a serious threat to the lives of residents, especially during the ongoing monsoon season.

A survey conducted by APP showed that most of the dilapidated buildings in the city are located in a few neighbourhoods including Raja Bazaar, Kaalan Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Babra Bazaar, Bagh Sardaran, Dingi Koi, Ratta Amral, Purana Qila, Murree Road and in the cantonment areas.

Muhammad Latif, the owner of one such dilapidated building in Purana Qila, said that they have no financial resources to rebuild the houses in which they were living.

“We would build new houses if we had the money,” Latif said, adding that most of the inhabitants of these old houses do not want to leave since these properties have been in their families for generations and are priceless heirlooms.

“This is the property of my forefathers and I do not want to leave this place,” said Nadeem, the owner of an old building in Raja Bazaar.

“I have an emotional attachment with this old structure,” he added.

There have been incidents in the past when several precious lives were lost owing to collapse of old buildings during heavy rains.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi District Government claims that they have completed all arrangements to tackle any flood situation in the city.

Officials said that they have set up centres to provide relief to the flood-stricken residents of the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2018.