LAHORE: In its preliminary report submitted to the metropolitan city administration on Monday evening, a nine-member committee expressed grave concern over the non-availability of structural drawings of Hafeez Centre, stating that it is impossible to assure the government as well as traders of the structure’s stability, especially during any untoward situation.

“At present, the structural drawings of Hafeez Centre do not exist. Therefore, in the absence of this critical information, it is not possible to assure long-term stability of the structure, especially during an extreme event, e.g. earthquake. The committee, therefore, strongly recommends that ‘as built’ drawings should be prepared by carrying out in-situ studies without any delay and the structural stability of this part of the building be got accessed through a qualified consultant,” reads the report signed by the committee members, headed by the Lahore Development Authority chief engineer.

The report, while discussing the eastern side of the plaza that was closed indefinitely for all sorts of businesses since the fire on Oct 18, states that the entire portion from the basement to the top floor must be cordoned off completely for general users and the business community.

It further states that since multiple spans of the building exhibited significant sagging that appeared to be increasing with time, the eastern portion of the building should be effectively supported with the help of scaffolding, starting from the basement to the top under the supervision of a hired consultant. “Unnecessary load applied to the top of the roof or elsewhere should be removed immediately with necessary precautions.”

Recommends sealing of burnt eastern side for public, traders

It advises the authorities concerned to remove the ashes/debris from the building for accessibility/inspection, which is required for a detailed assessment of the structure. The approach to the damaged portion should be from Main Boulevard, Gulberg side only.

About the western side of the plaza, the committee report says that this portion did not suffer any fire-related damage as per visual screening. But it is advised that this side may be utilised for business activities as per previous routine after adopting precautionary measures, including rehabilitation of both external power supply and internal distribution systems followed by seeking certificates from the testing agencies under the supervision of the consultant before the commissioning of power restoration, removal of the installed items associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to avoid any mishap, installation of a proper fire-fighting system etc.

On the other hand, traders of the plaza, who suffered massive losses because of the inferno, have rejected the chief minister’s compensation package of Rs5 billion, telling the government to either hand over their shops to them or be ready for protests.

In a press conference, held by Sheikh Imran, chairman of the Khidmat Group trade body, along with other office-bearers, the traders said that offering of a package in the form of loans instead of compensation must be discouraged. They also expressed concern over the protracted sealing of the plaza on the pretext of damage assessment, and urged the government to open it as soon as possible.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2020