Quetta’s tall structures violate building code

2008 earthquake left many of Ziarat Valley's scenic areas in rubble, destroying buildings and houses.

QUETTA: The devastating earthquake on October 29, 2008 not only left many of Ziarat Valley’s scenic areas in rubble, but also killed more than 250 people besides completely destroying many buildings and houses.

The Balochistan government officials had declared 134 buildings and houses dangerous in Quetta, which needed to be demolished in case of another major earthquake.

However, despite the fact that Quetta is situated in the red zone, people have been seen violating the building code by constructing tall buildings and complexes.

Talking about taking initiatives in this regard, Commissioner Quetta Division Naseem Ahmed Lehri said that earlier people complained that the buildings in violation were official buildings thus action was not taken to demolish them.

“We have evacuated Balochistan Library which will soon be demolished,” he said, adding that most of the buildings and centres were constructed when the building code was not imposed or made into law.

Lehri also explained that the government does not have sophisticated machineries to demolish the buildings and will have to resort to indigenous means.

According to the code, buildings must not be taller than 30 feet but in Quetta, particularly in the heart of the city, tall plazas and complexes stand in clear violation of the law.

Well-known architect Mohammad Ali observed that the building code is not being implemented with complete effect.

“People can now construct buildings higher than 30 feet but they must fallow the given design procedure by using standard raw materials and exit doors.

According to official sources, thousands of people have been killed in 44 earthquakes from 1988 till date in Quetta.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2010.