No compensation: Up to 1,500 houses torn down as Katcha Bunder is demolished

Residents are still waiting for compensation.

SUKKUR:

Approximately 1,500 houses, shops and godowns constructed inside the Bunder Wall that protects Sukkur from flooding, have been demolished. Five mosques, three commercial and residential plazas, the office of the chamber of commerce and the regional office of a private bank are, however, still standing.

The wall, which was seeping at several spots from last year’s flood, posed a threat not only to Sukkur, but other cities and towns located on the right bank of the River Indus. According to the plan, the existing wall is being cemented from inside and its height is being raised by two feet. Islamuddin Shaikh, the Pakistan Peoples Party senator, persuaded residents of Katcha Bunder to evacuate their houses after taking compensation. However, at that time he announced that each and every building constructed inside the wall, except mosques, would be demolished.

A survey was conducted inside the wall and compensation of Rs600,000 to Rs200,000 was announced for pucca or brick houses, mud houses and huts. No compensation was announced for the shop and godown owners.

According to the survey, there were more than 1,400 houses inside the wall and all of the owners were given compensation, though some of the residents are still struggling for their cheques. Many inconsistencies were reported during the survey and payment of the compensation. Those who weren’t even residents inside the wall were seen collecting cheques. This was allegedly done by those with a politically influential backgrounds. But Shaikh disregarded these allegations and blamed the revenue officials, who conducted the survey.

The demolition of the houses and shops has almost been completed, but three commercial and residential buildings are still standing. The builder of these buildings is allegedly being supported by prominent political figures of the city. The Express Tribune was not able to immediately contact the district coordination officer and the deputy district officer of revenue.

Aftab Khoso, the executive engineer of Sukkur Barrage, told The Express Tribune that if the buildings are inside the wall, then they will be demolished. Once the locality is clear of debris it will be certain if these buildings are constructed inside the wall or not.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2011.