KARACHI: In anticipation of heavy monsoon rains, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi has directed the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to immediately vacate the city’s extremely dilapidated residential structures to safeguard residents’ lives.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Commissioner the other day, where officials reviewed administrative measures to mitigate risks during the rainy season.
SBCA representatives briefed the meeting on the state of dangerous buildings across Karachi, revealing that the city has 584 dilapidated structures, including 59 classified as extremely hazardous. Of these, 29 are historical buildings.
According to the briefing, more than 90 percent of the unsafe buildings are located in District South, which alone accounts for 442 structures. Other districts include 73 in Central, 16 in East, 18 in Korangi, 28 in Kemari, 5 in Malir, and 2 in West.
Commissioner Naqvi emphasized that priority measures are essential to protect lives, instructing SBCA to issue and advertise notices to residents for immediate evacuation. He further directed the authority to share the list of highly dangerous buildings with Deputy Commissioners for coordinated action.
The meeting resolved that, depending on their condition, dilapidated buildings would be demolished. In cases where residents fail to comply with evacuation notices, authorities will disconnect gas, electricity, and water connections to enforce safety measures.
Commissioner Naqvi underscored that the administration’s foremost responsibility is to prevent loss of life during the monsoon season, urging swift and decisive implementation of the directives.
