The number of dilapidated buildings in the city has increased to 175, while the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) continues to play the role of a silent spectator, risking the lives of thousands of citizens. According to a list made available to Business Recorder through official sources, as many as 175 buildings have been declared "dangerous" by the authorities. However, no action has been taken yet.
According to the list, 14 buildings in Saddar Town (Old Town Quarters), 6 buildings in Tahil Ram Quarters including the TL-2-Portion of Old Building Structure, 7 buildings in Serai Quarters, 4 buildings in Bunder Road, 9 buildings in Arambagh, 5 buildings in Wadhoo Malo Dharam, 18 buildings in Saddar Market Quarters, and 20 buildings in Market Quarters have been officially announced "dangerous".
Furthermore 10 buildings in Hussain Qasim Quarters, 8 buildings in Jamshed Town, 14 buildings in Napier Quarters, 10 buildings in Lyari, 10 in Ranchor Lines, 9 buildings in Ram Swami, 4 buildings in Keamari, 5 buildings in Liaqutabad and 8 buildings in Lawrence Quarters including LR-8 (Ajmairy Mansion). While 2 buildings in Korangi Town, 2 buildings in Preedy Quarters, 2 buildings in Malir Town, 2 buildings in Soldier Bazaar and 1 building each in Railway Quarters, Shah Faisal Town, Gulshan Town and Baldia Town have been announced dangerous by KBCA.
The authorities also informed that warning letters have been issued to the residents of these buildings. However, they said that the KBCA can not demolish such buildings (dilapidated) without the prior permission of the residents. They said that the occupants of these buildings are unwilling to move, as a majority of them are not economically sound enough to rehabilitate themselves; while on the other hand, the provincial government is not making any arrangements to accommodate these poor people. Keeping in view the past incidents of buildings' collapse in the city, the authorities must take proper measures before the monsoon to save the lives of thousands of people residing in these building.