Destroyed

The recent incident involving the collapse of a dilapidated three-storey building in Karachi serves as an eye-opener for all building authorities across the country. Such incidents demand an immediate survey of dilapidated buildings located in different cities. Any building found to be in a state of disrepair must be evacuated and demolished without any delay. The respective provincial government must provide temporary shelter to the inhabitants of these buildings until substitute houses are made available.

Another glaring issue concerns the positioning of heavy machinery and the easy access to fire tenders in case of a fire or demolition activity owing to narrow streets and passage. There is another alternative to demolishing buildings. This involves using explosives without causing any collateral damage. This is being practiced by developed countries across the world. It is the responsibility of the local authorities to deal with the issue in an efficient manner.

Engr Riaz Akbar

Wah Cantt