KARACHI: Gross negligence led to the collapse of the high-rise residential building in Khada Market area of Lyari in which at least three people lost their lives and fourteen others were injured.
The delipidated building was declared unsafe for living in March by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and a notice was issued to vacate the building within 15 days. No action was taken after the notice was served to enforce the decision.
SBCA director Lyari Town and deputy director showed gross negligence and incompetency. A committee inspected the building on March 16 and instructed all civic agencies – K-Electric, SSGC, and KSWB – to disconnect all facilities on March 18.
K-Electric received a notice to disconnect electricity yet it was being provided at the time when the building collapsed. Other civic agencies failed to disconnect services despite the passage of over two months.
SSP City Muqadas Haider, while sharing details about the evacuation of the building, said that a notice was issued to residents after the building was deemed unsafe to live and many had left their apartments. A huge crack appeared on Sunday morning after which several other residents left the building, he said.
Dozens are feared to have been trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building and a rescue effort is underway. One body pulled out has was identified as 36-year-old Fahim while there are two women who died in the incident.
A rescue operation is underway at the Shireen Manzil building located in street no 6 in Nayabad area of Lyari. Rangers, police, Edhi and other social welfare organisations took part in the rescue operation.
SBCA authorities often overlook all necessary rules and regulations in the construction of high-rise buildings which are often in violation of necessary by-laws. This is the main cause of building collapse in various parts of Karachi.
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