Karachi building collapse a warning for Hyderabad
Rescuers scramble through rubble after a multi-storey residential building collapses in Karachi. PHOTO: AFP
The authorities in Hyderabad have eventually awakened to the threat of rickety building structures in the city but the exercise in the days to come will be limited to 'identifying' such buildings. And this activity is triggered by the tragic incident of the collapse of a multi-storied building in Lyari, Karachi, which perished 27 cherished lives.
The Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen Memon told a meeting at his office that 74 weak structures were marked in Hyderabad last year. "[However], some of which have since been repaired, while many still pose a serious risk," a statement issued after the meeting reads.
The DC directed all Assistant Commissioners to work in tandem with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to prepare an updated list of ramshackle structures as well as to conduct a fast-tracked field survey to identify such buildings at the earliest.
The SBCA's officers apprised the meeting that residents of buildings which have been issued notices to vacate are adamant to inhabit the same places despite knowing threats to their lives. Responding to this complaint, the DC asked his subordinates to carry out forced evacuation with the help of police if the occupants of the SBCA declared dangerous buildings do not vacate their homes.
Memon said FIRs should also be lodged against such residents as per the SBCA's regulations. The DC assured that not only police security will be provided for such operations, the government will also address the shortage of demolition machinery and tools. "No dangerous building will [be allowed] to remain standing over the heads of Hyderabad's citizens," he asserted.
The DC said public awareness campaigns will also be launched to sensitize the citizens about reporting dangerous buildings to the authorities and for extending cooperation if the razing of such structures becomes indispensable. The concerned officers are required to submit updated lists and photographic inspection reports in the follow-up meeting, scheduled for July 14.