Imagine living in a building where every crack in the wall is a warning sign. Across Sindh, over 570 such buildings have been deemed “dangerous,” posing an imminent threat to residents. Yet, evacuations remain a challenge.
What Are “Dangerous” Buildings?
Dangerous buildings are those that are structurally unsound, often due to neglect, age, or environmental factors. In Sindh, key cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur harbor such high-risk structures.
Alarming Statistics:
- Karachi:
- 570 buildings
- Hyderabad:
- 80 buildings
- Mirpurkhas:
- 81 buildings
- Sukkur:
- 67 buildings
- Larkana:
- 4 buildings
Why Residents Refuse to Evacuate
Evacuating one’s home is no easy decision, especially without alternative accommodations. Residents in Karachi have consistently requested:
- Compensation or alternative housing before evacuation.
- Transparency in evacuation plans.
Role of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)
The SBCA has faced criticism for inaction, with stakeholders emphasizing:
- Audit Findings:
- A failure to enforce timely demolitions.
- Government Response:
- PAC’s directive to expedite evacuations.
Potential Consequences of Inaction
Without immediate measures, Sindh risks:
- Humanitarian Disasters:
- Thousands of lives are at stake.
- Economic Impacts:
- Destruction could lead to substantial recovery costs.
What Needs to Be Done
To address this critical issue, the Sindh government and SBCA must:
- Develop alternative housing options for affected residents.
- Increase public awareness about the risks of staying in unsafe buildings.
- Implement stricter building regulations and regular inspections.
