KARACHI: As the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the PPP government face mounting criticism from the opposition and the public over the Lyari building collapse, heads have begun to roll, with the DG SBCA being the first to go.
Announcing the suspension of DG Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon vowed that those responsible will face the strictest punishment.
In a joint presser along with Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Memon said, “The loss of 27 lives has left the entire nation grieving,” and assured that a transparent investigation is underway.
Memon has said that residents forced to vacate unsafe and dilapidated buildings will not be left helpless, and the government will extend full support to them.
He stated that the fact-finding committee has been given two days to submit its report, and that Karachi Commissioner and other senior officials have been included in the committee.
“We also need to assess the role of the former DG SBCA in the matter,” Memon added.
He assured that the government stands by the victims and will not leave anyone without support.
According to Memon, there are 740 buildings across Sindh that have been declared dangerous, and the government is formulating a comprehensive plan for their monitoring and action.
Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said that demolition work will soon begin on 51 dilapidated buildings in Lyari to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
He also announced that the families of those who lost their lives will receive Rs 1 million each as compensation.
Ghani reaffirmed the government’s support for the affected families and said all possible assistance would be provided.
27 people, including children, had lost their lives when a residential building in Karachi’s Lyari area collapsed on Friday.
Read also: Final death toll in Lyari building collapse stands at 27