550 buildings declared dangerous

About 550 buildings in Karachi and 650 in other districts of Sindh have been declared dangerous to live in according to a survey of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

These aging structures can crumble to the ground causing loss of precious lives, says the report compiled by construction engineers of the authority.

SBCA Director General Muhammad Yasin Shar Baloch has said that in view of the upcoming monsoon rains in Karachi, a rain-emergency centre has been set up at the authority's office. He said residents of dangerous buildings have been requested to cooperate with the staff which will be on duty 24 hours in three shifts to extend help to the residents of buildings which are in poor condition and may face any accident.

He further said that as a result of the survey conducted so far by the SBCA technical committee on dangerous buildings, comprising expert construction engineers, about 550 buildings in Karachi and 650 in other districts of Sindh have been found in worse condition and declared dangerous and not cleared for residence. Baloch said that notices have already been issued to the residents of all such buildings to vacate the buildings immediately as these buildings may collapse at any time during the rains.

The DG once again appealed the general public to inform the department about the dilapidated building in their area by calling 99232355 and 99230393 or through the website www.sbca@sbca.gos.pk.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2023.