Mohsin Sheikhani, Chairman Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) has warned that one million people's lives are at stake due to illegal and sub-standard constructions being carried out by unscrupulous elements in contravention of rules and regulations of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) with connivance of corrupt officials of SBCA.
Mohsin Sheikhani has conveyed this warning to Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Sindh Mumtaz Ali Shah, Sindh Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah, Advisor to Chief Minister on Law Murtaza Wahab, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Lt. Gen. Muhammad Afzal and Chairman Sindh Disaster Management Authority Syed Salman Shah through separate letters regarding illegal construction in Karachi. He, in the letters, has pointed out towards massive illegal and sub-standard construction activities in Karachi due to non-compliance of Sindh Building Control Ordinance (SBCO) 1979 endangering lives of thousands of city dwellers in case of any natural calamity. He has said that all such unapproved illegal buildings could collapse at any time like and people will not only lose their life-time savings but could lose their lives. He said that the SBCO is very important law and its purpose was to regulate building construction and make SBCA officials accountable but unfortunately it is not being implemented in its letter and in spirit.
He further stated that section 4 of SBCO 1979 is regarding appointment of an expert as the head of SBCA and the government should appoint a person from private sector for better results. He also gave example of Lahore Development Authority in which Vice Chairman is appointed from private sector as a result LDA is now working very speedily and fruitfully for the construction sector, which considered backbone for the economy of any country. He pointed out that under section 4B of SBCO 1979, a Governing Body is inevitable to keep close eye on working of SBCA and appointment of a Director General to run Technical and Administrative matters of the Authority. But, unfortunately, no one cares for implementation of law in letter and in spirit, he said adding that approval for legal building is totally halted and illegal buildings are being constructed without any fear. He warned that thousands of people may die due to sub-standard illegal buildings in case of any natural calamity.-PR
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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