Quetta: The process to update the existing 90 year building code for the city’s construction sector is underway, a source quoted Metropolitan Corporation Quetta (MCQ) Chief Architect Aziz Ahmed Kakar.
According to Kakar, the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) updated the building code back in 2008. The MCQ is working on this update. He also mentioned that Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Alyani is also keen about updating the building code, and build all new structures according to the new code.
In this regard, a summary has also been forwarded to the CM for approval of the new building bylaws. Kakar revealed that as soon as the CM approves these bylaws, Quetta could have 60-feet tall buildings. Current building codes restrict building heights to 30 feet. The new code will also make it mandatory for the developer to hire an expert engineer to prepare the buildings’ map.
Quetta is located on fault lines, making it prone to earthquakes, which is why it falls in the red zone category where construction of basements and several storey tall buildings is prohibited.
