Building code violation in Quetta quake red zone

QUETTA: Despite the fact that Quetta is situated in the red zone, people have been seen violating the building code by constructing tall buildings and complexes which is clear violation of Balochistan High Court orders, Geo News reported.

Talking to Geo News, Commissioner Quetta Division Naseem Lehri said that people have been violating building code in Quetta over the past 10 years. A vigilance and control cell has been set up to monitor this violation, he added.

Lehri stated that there is no separate building code authority in the city, adding that only a single section is working in Metropolitan Corporation in this regard.

He said that metropolitan corporation, under its limited resources, is prepared to tackle any untoward situation and quake.

It is pertinent to mention here that Quetta is the only provincial capital where building control authority is not set up. The building code that was outlined by the British government after 1935 and 1937 earthquake is still functioning in the city.

Balochistan High Court, in 1990, had directed the government to take action against all the buildings that were constructed by violating the building code but yet to be implemented.