Lyari’s collapsed building illegally built on govt school land

KARACHI: The five-storey building that collapsed in Khadda market area of Lyari Karachi was built on a plot earmarked for a government school, it has been revealed.

According to details, the plot where the building had been built was illegally occupied. The 400 square yards land was meant to construct a government school in the area.  

Director Demolition Ali Mehdi has informed that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had no record of the collapsed building. “As per Master plan the said plot had been reserved for a school,” he added.

On the other hand, sources have informed that illegal constructions in Lyari are taking place under the patronage of the local leaders of a political party.  

Earlier today, it was informed that the collapsed 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.

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 collapsed 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.