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.