Illegal construction underway on nine-storey building in Nazimabad

KARACHI: Rampant illegal constructions continue unabated across Karachi as the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) turns a blind eye amid the declining writ of local authorities.

Illegal constructions are being done in Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, New Karachi, Liaquatabad, Landhi, Jamshed Town, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal areas of the metropolis.

In Nazimabad No. 2 within the jurisdiction of Liaquatabad Town, illegal activities are being done on Plot No. 11 sub-block 2 where an additional 62 square-yards have been encroached and merged with 208 sq-yards plot. A nine-storey building is now being constructed on the 270-square-yards plot.  

There is a gross violation of Section 1-7 of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance 1979. The management of ‘Sadaf Grand’ has constructed a basement, mezzanine, and 20 shops apart from the nine-storey building in violations of relevant bylaws.

Meanwhile, builders have constructed two floors despite the lockdown in Jamshed Town Admin Society Block 7 plot no. 443-A. Sources revealed that the area inspector has allegedly received over a million rupees per flat in underhand payments to allow the construction.

Area residents informed that due to the absence of a mixture machine, the builder has employed dozens of labourers for the construction of the building’s roof. This is a gross violation of safety precautions due to the lockdown restrictions, raising fear over the spread of the coronavirus. The construction commences every morning in the back street of the Tipu Sultan police station.

On the other hand, illegal construction is underway on a building located in Landhi no. 4, area B-3, street no. 64 where a third-floor is being constructed over half of the 40-square-yards plot. While a third floor is also being built on plot no. 1, street no. 65 of the same area.

The area is just adjacent to the Landhi police station. The SBCA inspector has allegedly received payments of Rs50,000 per flat the director and deputy director are being kept in the dark.