Building safety regulations

The recent tragic incident of a factory blaze in Karachi’s New Karachi Industrial Area that left four people dead and 13 injured, with the building eventually collapsing, has once again shed light on the urgent need for strict implementation of building safety regulations and the establishment of a robust response system. Such incidents are not only devastating in terms of loss of life and property, but they also highlight the alarming state of building safety in major cities of Pakistan.

Building safety should be a top priority for all stakeholders, especially building owners and construction companies. Stringent building codes and regulations must be put in place and rigorously enforced to ensure that all buildings, whether residential or commercial, are constructed and maintained in compliance with high safety standards. This includes proper fire exits, fire extinguishing equipment, ventilation, electrical wiring, and structural integrity, among other crucial factors. Additionally, regular inspections and audits of buildings should be conducted by the government to identify and rectify any safety hazards. Building owners and construction companies should be held accountable for any negligence or violation of building safety regulations, and strict penalties imposed for non-compliance. However, government officials are often bribed to look the other way and illegal or improper construction remains a dangerous practice. In such a situation, it is necessary for higher officials to initiate a thorough probe, mete out corrupt officials and ensure transparency in the process. In addition, a robust response system should also be established to effectively respond to emergencies such as fires, earthquakes and other disasters. This includes having well-equipped and trained emergency response teams, accessible emergency exits, evacuation plans and designated safe zones.

Building safety should not be taken lightly as innocent lives are at stake. Proactive measures are essential to prevent such tragedies in the future. It is time for the government to prioritise building safety and take decisive action to protect lives and property.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2023.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.