Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said on Tuesday that it is not possible for the provincial government to provide housing for all residents displaced after 11 buildings were classified as hazardous and evacuated.
Speaking on a news segment aired on a private TV channel, the minister said that around 740 buildings across Sindh have been declared unsafe, with at least 51 classified as extremely dangerous. Eleven buildings of the latter category were evacuated, he added.
However, the provincial government would offer temporary housing to some families, similar to previous efforts undertaken for flood and COVID-19 victims, said Memon.
There will be no silence on this matter, and those responsible will be held accountable
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori
The minister apprised that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has begun demolishing unsafe structures near the collapsed structure of the five-storey building in Lyari’s Baghdadi area, which claimed at least 27 lives.
Sindh Local Government Saeed Ghani had announced that each affected family would be given Rs one million as compensation.
Read: Govt moves to demolish unsafe buildings after Lyari collapse
The provincial government subsequently suspended the SBCA’s director-general and suspended officials from the regulatory body in-charge of the area.
Plots in compensation
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced on Tuesday that 80-yard plots will be given to affected families from Lyari building collapse.
Speaking to the media in Karachi, Tessori said, “I have arrived in Karachi today and, without wasting time, I have come to Lyari. I will send all my suggestions regarding this tragedy to the Sindh government through a letter”.
Tessori emphasised that the building collapse was no minor incident. “There will be no silence on this matter, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of Sindh ministers Ghani and Nabil Gabol thus far.
He urged the provincial government to provide six months’ rent and relocation in the same area for now evacuated residents of the 11 hazardous buildings.
Tessori assured that the Governor House would remain active in ensuring support for the victims and offer essential resources such as ration and employment opportunities.
The governor extended his support to the aggreived families, many of whom hail from the Hindu community, and apprised that a helpline, 1133, has been set up for assistance.
