Quetta:In a significant development, Biotech University and Metropolitan Corporation have signed an agreement to conduct a survey of 240 high-rise buildings across Quetta city. According to details, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) has forged another milestone by partnering with the Metropolitan Corporation. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines a joint effort to assess the structural integrity of key buildings in the city. Technical support for the survey team will be provided by BUITEMS, involving PHD doctors and professors. Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Abdul Rahman Achakzai, Registrar Dr. Zaid Ruff, Secretary Local Government Rof Baloch, Commissioner and Administrator Quetta Metropolitan Corporation Hamza Shafqat, Chief Architect Aziz Kakar, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Dr. Ali Nawaz Mengal, Professor Dr. Naik Muhammad, Director Communication Dara Shikoh, Architect Jalal Faisal Kakar, and Deputy Director Hamza Khan, along with other stakeholders, participated in the ceremony.
During the briefing, it was highlighted that Quetta city lies on a fault line, making it susceptible to earthquakes. Experts from the Seismic Center have warned of a potential major earthquake, reminiscent of the devastating 1935 quake. The non-compliance with Building Codes Act could pose a severe threat to tall structures in Quetta, necessitating urgent surveys of skyscrapers in the city. BUITEMS’ technical support, coupled with Metropolitan Corporation’s initiative, will initially focus on assessing 240 buildings for their structural integrity, material testing, and height parameters. The costs for the assessment will be borne by the building owners at a rate of 20 rupees per square foot, with half of the proceeds going to the Metropolitan Corporation and half to BUITEMS.
