Building collapses expose gaps in safety enforcement

KARACHI:

The incidents of building collapse during recent rain have reignited concerns over enforcement and public compliance with safety notices, as officials scramble to prevent further tragedies.

Two lives were lost and panic spread across two city neighbourhoods after portions of buildings — already declared unsafe by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) — collapsed within days of final evacuation warnings.

According to survey reports by SBCA's Technical Committee on Dangerous Buildings, the first incident took place at Plot No LY-10, Moosa Lane, District South, where the roof of the third floor suddenly collapsed. The entire third floor was destroyed, while the lower floors sustained significant structural damage, with visible cracks throughout the building. Two people lost their lives in this avoidable tragedy.

In the second incident, at Plot No 29 and 30, GK-04, Ghulam Hussain Qasim Quarters, a section of a six-storey building Farzana Manzil collapsed due to the weight of a rooftop water tank. One side of the structure gave way, falling through multiple floors and raising fears of a full collapse. However, no casualties were reported, although the building now shows additional structural cracks and remains at high risk of further failure.

Both structures had previously been declared unsafe and unfit for habitation by the SBCA. In the days leading up to the incidents, the authority had issued final evacuation warnings, posting notices and broadcasting alerts through loudspeakers. On the Saturday before the collapses, SBCA's demolition squad visited both sites and again warned residents to evacuate immediately.

Following the accidents, SBCA Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khoso took immediate notice and dispatched technical staff and demolition teams to the sites. With assistance from the local administration, both buildings were sealed and evacuated. Rescue personnel are currently helping residents recover their belongings from the damaged structures.

DG Khoso expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and emphasised the need for residents to take SBCA warnings seriously. "Living in a building declared hazardous is like playing with lives," he said. He urged citizens, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, to prioritise their safety and leave dangerous premises before tragedy strikes.

He also reminded the public that SBCA's Rain Emergency Centre operates 24/7, with technical staff working in shifts. Citizens are encouraged to report any structures compromised by rain or sewage issues by calling 99232355 or 99230939, or by visiting www.sbca.gos.pk.