Building sealed as cracks appear

Residents asked to vacate the building immediately

KARACHI: Another residential building in Usman Goth, Liaquatabad, was declared dangerous on Sunday, as area residents notices cracks appearing in it.

Deputy commissioner Farhan Ghani arrived with the police and sealed the ground plus two storey building after examination. Residents were asked to vacate the building, which was constructed 22 years ago, immediately.

Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) officials also visited the building and declared that it would be inspected on Monday (today), after which they would decide whether or not it is to be demolished. According to sources, there are hundreds of buildings in Liaquatabad at high risk of collapsing, most of which were constructed illegally using substandard materials.

The SBCA has resumed its crackdown against illegally constructed buildings, which, though it was at its peak before the ongoing lockdown, had ceased during the pandemic crisis.

Taking advantage of the situation, the 'builders' mafia' had allegedly started operating again, drawing the government's attention. As a result, the Sindh government directed SBCA to restart partial operations, with town directors carrying out area visits on the orders of SBCA director-general Dr Naseem Sahito.

At least six buildings were sealed and 15 people arrested for their involvement in illegal construction on Sunday.

Sahito, meanwhile, has warned the public of the risk they pose to their families' lives by investing in illegal and substandard buildings. He said that all such buildings would be demolished and those responsible would be held accountable.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2020.