Gul Plaza demolition process moves forward as SBCA opens bidding for contractors

KARACHI: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has invited contractors to bid for the demolition of fire-hit Gul Plaza in Karachi.

According to an advertisement published in a daily newspaper, contractors have been asked to submit their bids for the demolition work by November 20. Technical and financial bids will be evaluated separately, while the SBCA’s demolition wing will supervise the process.

The contract will be awarded after the bids have been submitted and evaluated.

A massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza on January 17, claiming more than 73 lives. Firefighters took over 32 hours to bring the blaze under control.

Meanwhile, a city court rejected a plea filed by Gul Plaza President Tanveer Pasta and others seeking the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

According to Mir, who was defending in the hearing, the newly appointed investigation officer failed to make the government departments accountable even after previous orders by the court directing their inclusion in the investigation.

He asked why no steps were taken against the developer of the building by the SBCA and added that KMC, SBCA and Fire Brigade were exonerated of any involvement.

The lawyer further claimed that the statement of the Deputy Commissioner South was never recorded by the investigation officer.

Moreover, he pointed out that although the fire originated from the ground floor of the building, the father and son were made accused even though the father was not present there.

The lawyer added that although about 5,000 people escaped from the building, others died due to the negligence of government departments.