THIS is with reference to the report, ‘Building collapsed in Liaquatabad’ (July 19), in which five people were killed and 13 others were seriously injured. They were found alive buried under the rubble.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) immediately issued handouts stating that the building had collapsed owing to the seepage of drainage water into the plinth, thus ignoring the quality of construction as well as exonerating the agencies which passed the completion plan.

Unfortunately, during the last decade, the SBCA has allowed unrestrained construction of numerous multi-storey buildings as high as 60 floors. Even residential areas, such as the Bath Island, have not been spared where, according to rules, construction cannot be allowed for more than the ground plus two floors. Moreover, these gigantic projects have been constructed without making available most essential services like an emergency exit, fire extinguishers, proper sewerage disposal and clean water.

Under these circumstances, if any emergency arises, these massive structures of iron and steel would literally turn into death traps for their residents.

On the issue of serious water scarcity, the Supreme Court of Pakistan, vide CP No. 38/2016 dated March 16 last, has already banned the construction of multi-storey buildings in Karachi till the water problem is resolved.

The Karachi and Water Sewerage Board and the SBCA have thus issued such notifications dated May 23. However, the ban has not been strictly enforced, as in some parts of the metropolis construction activity continues unabated.

The apex court should take notice of all violations of its decision and direct the Sindh chief minister and the SBCA director general to ensure that unlawful constructions are immediately stopped.

Prof (Dr) Kazi Khadim Hussain

Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2017