CM seeks builders’ help against illegal construction

ABAD delegation told to put SBCA-approved barcodes on construction sites

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah directed builders on Friday to display boards bearing Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)-approved barcodes at construction site, so that they may be distinguished from illegal structures.

The CM issued the directive during a meeting with an Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) delegation, led by ABAD chairperson Mohsin Sheikhani.

Addressing the meeting, the CM pointed out illegal structures had been mushrooming in Karachi of late and asked ABAD to cooperate with the government in taking action against them.

He asked ABAD members to put up boards showing SBCA-approved barcodes at construction sites. "People will be able to scan these barcodes on mobiles to ascertain whether the structure is being constructed legally or illegally," he explained, adding that this would also help relevant authorities in identifying illegal buildings and taking action against them.

The CM directed the SBCA to also issue barcodes for old buildings, which were to be displayed at the site.

During the meeting, ABAD members told the CM that approval for some of their project had been pending since 2011.

At this, the CM directed the SBCA to approve the plans and layouts that met required criteria and ask builders to rework designs that did not. "What is the logic behind in keeping applications pending for so long?" he remarked.

Besides, ABAD members offered to work with the Sindh government on a public-private partnership project to establish low-cost housing societies in Karachi. Accepting their offer, the CM directed the local government department to float a project summary for cabinet approval.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2020.