WHEN cracks occur in anything it means that the age of a particular item is on its decline. Similarly, if any building starts to crack and if it is not repaired in time, the crack expands and later a time comes when it either falls by itself or has to be demolished. The city of Karachi does have many old buildings which are in good condition; it is only so because they are taken care of on a regular basis.

I give below the contents of the picture which appeared in Dawn’s June 22 edition:

“With badly chipped balcony-like openings and cracks in its outer walls, the historical Lea Market clock tower stands in immediate need of restoration work.”

Some of the old buildings are still in marvellous shape as they are taken care of on a daily basis. The Fatima Jinnah House, Denso Hall, Empress Market, etc., are all in good condition. We cannot preserve our heritage unless it is taken good care of. If the 100-year-old Lea Market clock tower is not restored on an urgent basis, we are bound to lose it for good.

The officials concerned for restoration of old buildings should make sure that timely restoration work is carried out on all historical buildings so as to preserve them for posterity’s sake.

ALBERT SAMUEL Karachi