RENOWNED columnist Ardeshir Cowasjee`s article in 2011, `Castles on dung heaps?`, blew the lid off the Sindh Building Control Authority`s (SBCA) inability to provide a vision for flagging economies through real estate activity.

Sadly, the article, penned over a decade ago, still holds true. The hasty, unplanned and unchecked construction seen across urban centres is devoid of the technical studyregardingspace.

This is further facilitated by arbitrarily formulated policies that encourage an upsurge in construction permits to favour developers while the city turns into an environment hazard. For example, innumerable residential plots in high-density zones have been converted to commercial parcels of land for the construction of high-rises through the payment of a fee. Worryingly, even environment impact assessment studies are manipulated to indicate that these projects are safe for the environment and will not lead to degradation.

Karachi`s construction and real estate landscape is witnessing a descent into lawlessness; the building departments` and the provincial authorities` enthusiasm for development and developers is responsible for the infrastructural crisis.

Over 1,000 high-rises are being built in high-density residential zones designated for residential purposes in the Lease Master Plan of 1965. Most plots situated on service roads alongside main roads become commercial projects through influence and the Road Commercialisation Act of KMC, 2002.

Regrettably, rampant land-use conversion has led to mass vulnerability in residential zones; the non-humanistic scale and violations of air and visual rights compromise residence privacy as well as create low-quality climate conditions, among others. Needless to say, this inhumane development model raises serious concerns about the integrity of urban planning in high-density areas and the safety ofresidents.

In addition, the unbridled power wielded by `developers`, who are able to dodge the system with impunity and apply unethical construction practices without a thought for the contextual understanding of neighbourhood rights, is another alarming aspect.

As a result, the completed structure of a building is unlike the approved version. Developers are also free to violate construction timings, which often extend well beyond permissible time limits for residential areas this is yet another violation of regulations outlined by the SBCA and the CantonmentBoard Clifton (CBC).

But the neglect of humanistic values does not end here. Another infringement within construction practices is the recruitment of labourers from rural areas on theka (contract); they live on construction sites without even the basic amenities or decent shelters. The theka system provides cheaper labour and revolves around the builder`s sense of urgency, resulting in violations of all kinds of policies and fundamental rights, including the abuse of stipulated working hours that begin early and continue late into the night.

It`s almost like a bull fight the contractors set their targets whereby payments are released once the project is finalise d in re cord time. In the last phase, it appears that even governmental intervention and monitoring are unable to safeguard human welfare, particularly with regard to the residents of an area, due to our corrupt and complex system.

Although a highly capitalistic forum,the DHA, for instance, does ensure the integrity of residential rights through constant monitoring, with heavy fines for developers who flout regulations set by the author-ity. But beyond DHA`s boundaries, Sindh`s leadership seems to have abandoned the enforcement of appropriate construction timings enshrined in local laws the hours specified by the SBCA and CBC for construction activity are 8am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

But laws mean little for profit-driven, powerful developers with influence in the provincial political structure, law enforcement and building authorities.

Lastly, what transpired during a recent Karachi Constructors Association meeting is far from comforting, as the Sindh government`s decision to restrict daytime supply hours of construction materials was discussed. The directive goes against the SBCA and CBC guidelines and has, as expected, led to nighttime operations, causing inconvenience and disquiet in residential zones. Lack of productivity in the dark is another consequence. Sindh`s ruling elite must frame an effective strategy that mandates cohesive development, which upholds the rights of residents, along with the interests of developers. • The wúter is an architect.

X: @marvimazhar