Yahya Reki
Quetta: People are violating the building code of Quetta City. As per building code 1937 people are not allowed to construct a building more than 30 feet. The rule was introduced after terrifying 7.7 magnitude earthquake of 1935 which jolted badly Quetta city and its surrounding. These horrible jolts demolished completely Quetta city and took a large number of innocent lives.
As the population increased in Quetta city the building code violation also increased. Now a day’s people are constructing big number of huge buildings in city and populated areas without any fear. No serious action is being observed in this regard. These things are being done under government supervision.
We can observe a large number of flats in different cities and adjacent areas which have been completed and some are under construction. As Quetta City is on red zone due to earthquake, it is an alarming situation for concerned departments to stop it.
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Sources who wished not to be named, told Balochistan Voices that there is still not a building code authority in Quetta, only four members inspection team has been made to tackle this issue. It is impossible for team to stop violations of building code.
Sami Baloch a resident in a flat at Jan Muhammad road Quetta told Balochistan Voices that there are no emergency exits in flats which can cause catastrophic incident during a case of emergency. Sami is one of several residents of Quetta city who live in flats made in violation of the building code.
Mir Aslam Rind Councilor of Metropolitan Corporation Quetta told Balochistan Voices that Building code rules are also not being implemented in his Ward. “Building code violation has caused water scarcity, gas shortage and other problems for people,” he added.
People have started violation of building in Quetta city without any fear. More than 8 to 10 story building are being constructed in commercial areas. It is also against our traditional and cultural values, Mr. Rind lamented.
Metropolitan construction rule bounds a builder to construct car parking in 3 thousand feet building, which is often violated in Quetta.
“It is duty of Local government Architect Officer to tackle this issue. We are unable to take notice, but we will raise voice against injustice and violation of rules,” added Mr. Rind.
As Quetta city is situated on most dangerous zone of earthquakes, it is responsibility of Balochistan government to take notice and demolish buildings constructed against building code.
People of Quetta request from Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Sana Ullah Khan Zehri to make Metropolitan Corporation accountable for such concerns and ensure security of people during emergency situations.
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