SBCA DG issues directives for vigilance against illegal constructions

In a bid to uphold safety standards and regulatory compliance within the construction sector, Director General Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Abdul Rasheed Solangi has issued a directive to all building inspectors, senior building inspectors, assistant directors and deputy directors to ensure vigilance against illegal constructions.

Officials said on Friday that the directive mandates that these officers undertake thorough inspections of their respective jurisdictions to identify and halt any illegal and unauthorised construction activities. Furthermore, if such activities are discovered, immediate action to cease and demolish them is required.

Additionally, all designated officers are required to provide a formal undertaking affirming their commitment to preventing illegal and unauthorized constructions within their areas of responsibility. These undertakings will be submitted to the relevant Director for official record-keeping.

Moreover, district directors are tasked with monitoring illegal construction activities on a rotational basis. Should any unauthorized construction be detected within their areas, directors are mandated to report the responsible officers to the director general (SBCA) for disciplinary proceedings under the enforcement and discipline rules of the SBCA.

This directive underscores the SBCA’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of the construction industry and ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. Complaint Cell Established by Sindh Building Control Authority

In a proactive move to address public grievances and combat illegal constructions, Director General Sindh Building Control Authority Abdul Rasheed Solangi has initiated the establishment of a complaint cell across all districts of Karachi.

Under the directive, various officers have been assigned the charge of the complaint cell. According to the issued notification, Assistant Director Maqsood Ali Qureshi has been posted as the incharge of Complaint Cell District Central. Assistant Director Mainuddin has been assigned the charge for Complaint Cell District Keamari, Taher Naeem Siddiqui for Complaint Cell District South, Sheikh Arshad Ali for Complaint Cell District West, Building Inspector Eng, Asma Ayub for Complaint Cell District East, Farah Ayub Complaint Cell District for Malir, and Hooriya Rashid for Complaint Cell District Korangi.

The establishment of the complaint cell underscores the SBCA’s commitment to ensuring lawful construction practices and swiftly addressing citizens’ concerns.

As per SoP and order issued by the DG SBCA reads, “It has been desired by the Director General (SBCA) that all Building Inspectors, Senior Building Inspectors, Assistant Directors and Dy. Directors shall visit their jurisdiction and area to check the illegal and unauthorized construction, however, if illegal and unauthorized construction activities are carried out in their jurisdiction, said should immediately be stopped & demolished.

“All these officers shall furnish an undertaking that no illegal and un-authorized constructions are carried out into their jurisdiction and area and such undertaking shall be furnished to the concerned Director for record.

“The District Directors shall also monitor illegal and unauthorized constructions on rotation basis, however, if illegal and unauthorized constructions are carried out in any area, Director shall report against the area Building Inspector, Senior Building Inspector, Assistant Director and Dy. Director to the Director General (SBCA) for proceeding under E&D Rules of SBCA.”

Action taken

Action against SBCA officers involved in illegal constructions has been intensified and three officers suspended.

DG Abdul Rashid Solangi has issued a notification to remove Assistant Director Asghar Ali Kork and two building inspectors from their posts and sought a report. Building Inspector Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Riyaz Jakro and Assistant Director Asghar Kork have been removed from their posts and directed to submit a report.

“The Sindh Building Control Authority's Director-General has tightened the noose around officers who have been involved in illegal constructions without permission. No leniency will be shown to officers involved in illegal constructions, and action will be taken against those found guilty. After the removal of directors, action has also been intensified against other relevant officers. A notification has been issued to remove three officers involved in illegal constructions with the approval of the SBCA DG."