Lahore: Multi-storey, under-construction buildings to be re-checked

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Ali Raza
AFTER the collapse of rear side of Alamgir Tower on Main Boulevard, Gulberg, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has directed re-examination of majority of the under construction as well as fully built multi-storey buildings in the City.

The incident took place some two days back when the scaffolding of the tower caved in and also caused substantial damage to the house just behind the tower. The tower was under construction after getting a formal approval of the commission made by the apex court. The incident raised serious concern of strength of high-rise structures especially those under construction in the city. People having residences in the towers as well as having homes near towers are feeling afraid and urged the chief minister to order an immediate inquiry into the incident. It is pertinent to mention here that some months back, the Punjab government decided to set up Building Control and Regulatory Authority but the decision is pending.

Sources in LDA said that delay in establishment of this authority was because many senior officials wanted it to be under the control of the development authority concerned. It was also decided that security and safety measures for multi-storey buildings would be formulated besides considering full importance of the strength and weakness of the high-rise building.

The LDA sources said these safety measures and rules were yet to be formed.

The sources said after the incident, LDA had served notices on all the under construction multi-storey buildings on the Main Boulevard, Gulberg to stop construction. A number of citizens while talking with The News expressed serious concern over the security and safety of high-rise buildings in the City. They alleged that majority of builders were not using proper material.

The citizens urged the chief minister to take serious action against the LDA officials who were responsible to check the safety and material of the under construction plaza, which collapsed.

LDA DG Irfan Ali while talking with The News over the issue said the LDA did not ask the builders to stop construction but asked them to get their sites inspected by the LDA. He said a special team was constituted to review the safety and strength of multi-storey buildings. He said the management of Alamgir Tower had also paid a fine of Rs 5m and was constructing their tower with the formal approval of the commission. He said the LDA would also get the owner of the house, which was damaged compensated by the tower’s management.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=125652