CDA teams examine cracks in tall buildings

ISLAMABAD—Two inspection teams are actively examining the cracks caused by the massive earthquake in high-rise apartments and buildings in the federal capital, Capital Development Authority Chairman Kamran Lashari said Monday.
Talking to APP Lashari said one of the teams was currently examining the PM House building and it would submit its report within a couple of days. The teams comprising 20 members also include two senior officials of the Building Control Section of the Authority along with two other Ph.D experts in structuring and designing.
He said the CDA had completed the examination of Park Towers, Al-Mustafa Towers, Saudi-Pak Towers, Warid Office and three existing blocks of Margalla Towers.
The experts have cleared two blocks out of four of Saudi-Pak Towers and recommended light repair at Park Towers and one other building. The repair work of Park Towers may take four to five days. The Al-Mustafa Towers building was found completely safe and secure for the residents, the Chairman said.
As a precautionary measure other important buildings such as Parliament House would also be examined, he said.
The CDA Chairman said that the Authority would not defend anyone if any officials were found involved in any irregularity or corruption. At the same time the Authority would strive to maintain its image in the eyes of the people. Referring the tragic collapse of two blocks of Margalla Towers he said a high-level scrutiny committee would look into its causes and take severe action if any bungling was found.
The 2.73-acre plot for Margalla Towers was allotted in 1991and the approval of its map was given in the following year.
The map was prepared by Karachi-based architect Habib Fida Ali in consultation with the CDA Building Control Section.
Lashari said that the Committee would also include representatives of the National Engineering Services (PVT) Limitedmwho will help determine the real causes of collapse. The construction of the Margalla Towers was completed in 1996 which had 5 blocks having 147 apartments. The two blocks that collapsed had 38 apartments.
The Deputy Director who was actively engaged in the approval process has died while the then Assistant Director has retired. The residential units measuring 2,300 sq ft and 2,60 sq ft were sold for Rs. 13 million and Rs. 19.5 million respectively. —APP