Building collapse in Lyari claims lives of two sisters on lower floor due to upper floor collapse.
Karachi, Pakistan's bustling economic hub, has been grappling with an alarming increase in building collapses, particularly in densely populated areas like Lyari. The recent tragic incident involving two sisters who lost their lives in a roof collapse has once again brought the issue to the forefront.
The primary causes of these collapses are poor safety standards, illegal extensions and overcrowding, lax enforcement of regulations, corruption, and a construction mafia that prioritizes profits over safety. Buildings in Karachi often lack proper safety standards due to the use of substandard construction materials and inadequate engineering practices. Many buildings have illegal extensions, which compromise structural integrity, and overcrowding strains the infrastructure of these buildings. The lack of effective enforcement of building codes and regulations contributes to the prevalence of unsafe structures, while corruption and the influence of a profit-driven construction mafia exacerbate the problem.
To mitigate the issue, several measures can be implemented. Strengthening and enforcing building codes can help ensure that structures are built with safety in mind. Regular inspections by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) can identify and address potential risks before they become catastrophic. Public awareness about the dangers of unsafe buildings and the importance of reporting illegal constructions can help prevent collapses. Taking legal action against landlords and builders who ignore safety regulations can deter non-compliance.
The exact number of unsafe buildings in Karachi is not clearly defined in recent reports. However, it is noted that many buildings have been declared unsafe, such as the Fotan Mansion, which was declared dangerous by the SBCA in 2022. The prevalence of risky structures is widespread, with ongoing reports of collapses and potential dangers across the city.
The recent roof collapse in Lyari has prompted immediate action. Structural assessments of buildings have been ordered without delay by the chief minister, and the SBCA has been instructed to take immediate action against all dangerous and dilapidated buildings in the city. The chief minister has also directed that all hazardous buildings, including those in Lyari and across Karachi, be evacuated immediately.
The chief minister expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the families of the deceased women and directed that the injured be provided with the best possible medical care without delay. A thorough investigation into the roof collapse incident has been called for, and the Karachi commissioner has been asked to submit a detailed report on the incident.
The incident underscores the existing threat posed by 578 buildings already declared unsafe and unfit for habitation by the SBCA in Karachi, with 456 of them being in the District South alone. Other districts also face risk, including Central, Keamari, Korangi, East, Malir, and West.
The chief minister has expressed no tolerance for negligence in rescue and relief operations and has warned of stern action against those found responsible for the tragedy. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building codes, regular inspections, and public awareness about the dangers of unsafe buildings in Karachi.
- The world is watching as Karachi, Pakistan, grapples with an increase in building collapses, particularly in densely populated areas like Lyari, raising questions about who is accountable for these tragedies.
- The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) needs to prioritize strengthening and enforcing building codes to ensure our health and wellness are protected, as many buildings in Karachi lack proper safety standards.
- General news outlets have reported on the ongoing issue of dangerous buildings in Karachi, with increasing reports of car accidents due to collapses, highlighting the urgent need for change in the medical-conditions of these structures.
- The deceased sisters' tragic death in a roof collapse has prompted investigation into the construction mafia's role in prioritizing profits over safety, adding to the concerns about corruption in the heart of Pakistan's economic hub.
- With 578 buildings already declared unsafe and unfit for habitation by the SBCA, the incident serves as a reminder that accidents can happen anywhere, urging all of us to stay vigilant and advocate for stricter adherence to health-and-wellness standards in Karachi's construction sector.
