Fire risks

Usually factory owners and households blame delayed arrival of fire-fighters at the fire sites for the loss of property and lives. However, it is unreasonable to blame only one side, for there are shortcomings on both sides. This applies to all parts of the country, including Karachi. There are several reasons for delayed response from fire departments: in most cases fire tenders have to travel on broken roads, have to weave their way through traffic jams and have to make their way through narrow streets. The performance of other relevant departments too are, reportedly below par. Some factories allegedly lack proper safety equipment and a sufficient number of emergency exits; they don’t have trained staff to deal with emergency situations. These arrangements would be beneficial for both industrialists, owners of warehouses and workers.

Provision of fire-extinguishers and an adequate number of emergency exits in buildings housing commercial concerns and private apartment lodgings needs to be ensured. These facilities are mandatory in factories and buildings. Unfortunately, buildings and factories are built in violation of the approved layout plan reportedly with the connivance of the departments concerned. Building by-laws and regulations stipulating proper safety measures are adhered to more in breach than observance.

After the shocking Baldia factory fire in 2012, the Sindh government enacted several laws for the safety of workers. These laws have not been implemented. The labour department is unable to properly monitor gas leakages and other irregularities due to shortage of equipment and staff. There is disaffection among the department’s workforce, as field inspectors in other provinces have a much higher grade, but in Sindh they have been languishing in Grade 9 for years. In Sindh, the Civil Defence Directorate, which is responsible for ensuring safety at fuel stations and industries, there is absenteeism as well as shortage of staff. There are issues in most relevant departments. Much is upset in these departments.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2021.

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