The Indian Express 19.06.2013
Civic body starts building frame to support Altaf Manzil
Over a week after a portion of the five-storeyed Altaf Manzil
(officially called Aftab Manzil) in Mahim (West) collapsed, killing 10
persons and injuring seven, BMC is constructing a support frame for the
remaining portion of the building so that residents can retrieve their
belongings before the structure is demolished.
“Residents should be able to collect their belongings. There is
no proper staircase or elevator now. We have begun construction on a
frame that will support the building. With the help of Mumbai Fire
Brigade and police, one or two persons will be able to access the
building at a time to collect valuables,” said assistant municipal
commissioner Sharad Ughade of G-North Ward.
The contractor appointed by BMC at a cost of Rs 12.5 lakh to
carry out the demolition of the remaining portion of the building is
constructing the framework
“The residents should have access by Wednesday afternoon. The
demolition of the remaining portion of the building will be undertaken
by the weekend,” said Ughade.
At present, the corporation is investigating whether poor
construction material caused the collapse. Samples of debris have been
sent for lab-testing to determine the quality of cement. Based on the
findings, the civic body will probe residents’ allegations that illegal
alterations to a Maruti car showroom on the ground floor of the building
led to the collapse. Structural engineer Shashank Mehendele has been
roped in by BMC to conduct an inquiry.
