CDA strives to enforce building standards for fire prevention

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

CDA strives to enforce building standards for fire prevention
Islamabad—Capital Development Authority (CDA) is continuing its efforts for compliance of “Building Standards for Fire Prevention and Life Safety 2010” to ensure safety of lives and infrastructure in federal capital. The Directorate of Building Control Service, CDA notified the standards which were mandatory to comply with by the owners of buildings under category-II, III and IV.

Category-II includes two-storey buildings, industries and all other non-residential buildings except farmhouses whereas category- III includes non-residential buildings up to five stories (including ground floor) and category-IV includes all high-rise buildings that are six-stories and above including ground floor.

In case of non-compliance, the Authority can use its powers to vacate or seal any building or impose fine on violators up to Rs 500,000, Additional Director, Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Management CDA, Ammad-ud-Din told APP here on Sunday. He said the directorate is conducting surveys both in public and private buildings to check fire safety arrangements.

Over 20 buildings in Blue Area have been visited so far and directed to install all required equipments.

Initially, the regulations have been conveyed to the owners of commercial buildings and if they will not follow the instructions, challans will be issued while in case of non-compliance, fine of Rs 500,000 will be imposed on the violators, Ammad added. The Prime Minister secretariat, foreign office, schools, colleges, universities, high rise buildings including flats, industrial and trade centres will also be covered in the survey.

After completion of the inspection of a building or premises, the civic body will issue a notice to the owner or occupier directing him to undertake measures as specify in the notice.

However, in case of construction of new buildings, clearance in regard to fire prevention and life safety measures shall be required from the Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Management, both at the time of approval of building plan as well as issuance of completion certificate by the authority.