The collapse of a five storey building in Lyari, which claimed 27 lives, has exposed the absence of regulatory checks and balances in the construction industry. At the heart of the problem is a nexus between corrupt officials and builders, where regulations are ignored for profit. This alliance has not only allowed unsafe structures to rise but has cost innocent lives.The worst sufferers are those who live in densely populated low income neighborhoods, where unauthorized buildings have come up, with their building designs
Authorities have now begun taking action, arrests have been made, and compensation announced for the affected families.. Over 580 buildings across Karachi have been declared dangerous, and evacuation has begun in the most high-risk cases. However, Karachi Building Control Authority reports need to be made public as to the number of buildings that came up illegally, using unregulated water extraction and encroachments.
Experts warn that without a city-wide master plan and strict oversight, disasters will multiple, and the urban infrastructure will collapse