Tilted Building
Rajuk lacks dismantling equipment
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha has yet to start demolishing the leaning seven-storey building in Kathalbagan though two days have gone since the building tilted onto a high-rise next to it.
Rajuk officials said they would need at least two more days to begin the work.
As they do not have the equipment required to knock down the structure safely, they have asked the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) for some of the tools.
Rajuk would demolish the building as per suggestions of the experts. The expenses would be borne by the developer of the building–Asia Haider Tower.
Meanwhile, representatives of the developer and flat owners yesterday met the Rajuk chairman and requested him to let them knock down the building, said sources.
“We have told them it would not be wise to let them demolish the structure,” said Aminur Rahman, the Rajuk officer responsible for the area.
“We will do the job and the developer will have to pay for the expenses,” he added.
Experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology have suggested that Rajuk build an emergency escape stair and erect pillars around the building so that it does not suddenly give way.
At first, Rajuk wanted to break open a window and send workers inside to tear down the building by hammers.
“But as it would have been risky for the workers, we have suggested they [Rajuk] arrange scrap holders and fall-proof pillars,” said Professor AMM Shafiullah of Buet, who is leader of the expert team.
Shafiullah also suggested cranes to remove the debris from the site.
Rajuk officials said they would require at least 800 pieces of scrap holders, each 80 feet long.
“If we get the scrap holders from REHAB this evening or tomorrow morning, we will start building the stair and pillars,” Rajuk official Aminur Rahman told The Daily Star yesterday afternoon.
REHAB President Nasrul Hamid Bipu said they were arranging the scrap holders to help Rajuk.
