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Why do buildings collapse in Karachi?

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      Building collapses are a recurring and tragic issue in Karachi, Pakistan, with several factors contributing to this crisis: Aging and Poorly Maintained Structures: A significant number of buildings in older areas of Karachi, such as Saddar, Kharadar, and Jodia Bazaar, were constructed decades ago (m‫اقرأ المزيد

      Building collapses are a recurring and tragic issue in Karachi, Pakistan, with several factors contributing to this crisis:

      • Aging and Poorly Maintained Structures: A significant number of buildings in older areas of Karachi, such as Saddar, Kharadar, and Jodia Bazaar, were constructed decades ago (many between the 1940s and 1970s). These structures have not been adequately maintained and are simply crumbling due to age and lack of upkeep, making them vulnerable to collapse, especially during heavy rainfall.
      • Illegal and Unplanned Constructions: A widespread problem is the construction of illegal buildings or the addition of unauthorized floors to existing structures. These constructions often lack proper building plans, have inadequate foundations, and are built without considering the original structural integrity. This puts immense stress on the existing framework, making collapses highly likely. Investigations after collapses frequently reveal that buildings had extra floors than allowed.
      • Substandard Materials and Shoddy Construction: To cut costs, many builders and contractors use weak iron rods, inferior quality cement, and even salt-mixed sand. These substandard materials severely compromise the structural stability and longevity of buildings, leading to dangerously unstable constructions.
      • Lack of Regulatory Oversight and Corruption: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) is mandated to approve and oversee building designs and construction. However, there are serious accusations of corruption, including bribes taken for approvals, issuance of fake No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), and delayed action against unlawful buildings. This lax enforcement of building codes and regulations is a critical factor. Many buildings declared dangerous are not vacated or demolished, and new illegal constructions continue to rise.
      • Absence of Regular Inspections and Audits: Unlike many cities globally where structural audits and regular inspections are legally required, Karachi lacks a robust legal framework for this. This means that even if a building is aging or has been illegally modified, there’s no systematic way to identify and address the risks before a collapse occurs.
      • Overcrowding and Housing Shortage: Karachi faces a severe housing shortage, which pushes many low-income residents into living in dilapidated or illegally constructed buildings, despite knowing the risks. This creates a cycle where unsafe housing continues to be occupied.
      • Environmental Factors: Dampness and rainwater seepage, particularly in coastal areas like Clifton, Keamari, and Gizri, can lead to rusting of reinforcement and foundation rot, further weakening structures. Heavy monsoon rains can exacerbate the problem.

      In essence, the building collapse crisis in Karachi is a complex issue stemming from a combination of systemic neglect, widespread corruption, inadequate enforcement of regulations, and the use of poor construction practices and materials.

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