KARACHI: The transparency and fairness of the Sindh Building Control Authority’s (SBCA) demolition drive against “illegal constructions” in the city has come into question after it did not file the required reports to authorities as a documentary proof of its actions against illegalities.

For the past seven months the operation is under way by the SBCA demolition unit, during which it claimed to have razed over a thousand “illegal structures”.

However, the unit faces backlash from builders and common citizens who allege that the demolition wing is the “most corrupt unit” of the SBCA.

Apart from citizens, this time it has received a severe reprimand from within the authority as well for its failure to filing documentary proof of its operation despite repeated reminders from one of its senior officials.

Strongly worded letter by authority’s top official reminds the demolition unit head of his duties

SBCA sources say that the demolition unit is supposed to keep record of all those “illegal structures” which are razed to the ground for defying building by-laws.

The officials are required to fill a “pro forma” for each structure which is demolished. The document shows details of each structure, its approval details, nature of violation and action taken by the unit.

In a recent letter to the head of the SBCA demolition unit, the authority’s additional director general has expressed his anger for not filing the required reports despite “several letters” written by him.

“I have already issued several letters to you to submit the report about demolition taken place to remove all unauthorised construction by dully filling up the above pro forma but you have abstained from submitting the required report,” said SBCA Additional Director General Samit Ali Khan in his letter to the director-demolition unit Abdul Sajjad Khan.

In the same letter, he reminded the chief of demolition unit about his responsibilities and the rules defined by the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979.

“It is the responsibility of the demolition section to undertake demolition

action to remove all unauthorized constructions on plots that are referred to the demolition section by the concerned districts,” he said.

“If the officers of the districts present during the demolition operation of plots give verbal directions to the assistant director of demolition not to demolish unauthorized construction or stop the demolition operation and assistant director (demolition) stops the demolition operation then this is the act of connivance with the builder. It is your responsibility to ensure that this does not happen and initiate disciplinary action against the assistant director (demolition) working under your control.”

Meanwhile, despite repeated requests and queries the information section of the SBCA didn’t come up with details about the operation going on in the city since March 2024.

The SBCA sources said the additional director general had written “a series of reminders” for the required pro formas.

In reply to one of his reminders, the demolition unit head claimed that they had already filed reports of action against illegal structures.

However, the reply fell short of satisfying the SBCA top brass who insists on filing the pro forma.

“It’s a common perception that officials associated with this department take half-hearted action against illegal constructions only to defuse pressure or strike a deal with those who’re involved in the business of illegal construction and mint millions of rupees,” said another SBCA officer.

“It has been observed that in case of any complaint, they respond immediately. They reach the site and seal the place to make an impression about an action. In order to make a deal, they would demolish those areas which will not affect the basic structure or cost the builder much. They would demolish sidewalls or windows or entrance or exit. They won’t demolish columns or pillars or foundation in order to keep the structure intact.”

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2024