Sukkur—Once considered an important administrative asset, the 50-year-old government building known as Al-Seerah, currently occupied by various departments of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), has now deteriorated to such an extent that it stands on the brink of a major disaster. The structure, which has survived for half a century, is today nothing more than a fragile shell—threatening to collapse at any moment and endangering the lives of hundreds of employees and visitors who use it daily.
Located in one of Sukkur’s key administrative zones, the Al-Seerah building was originally handed over to WAPDA during the era of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. At that time, it was considered an essential and strategically significant government asset. However, decades of neglect, lack of renovation, and administrative indifference have reduced it to a ruinous structure that experts believe can no longer bear its own load.
A visit to the site reveals a deeply alarming picture. Massive cracks zigzag across the walls, some wide enough to allow daylight to pass through. Entire sections of plaster have peeled away, exposing rusted rods and crumbling bricks. The ceilings are perhaps the most frightening aspect—large chunks of concrete fall unpredictably, leaving employees constantly anxious about their safety. Many staff members say they have narrowly escaped injury on several occasions as pieces of the roof unexpectedly came crashing down during working hours.
Despite this extremely dangerous situation, several essential WAPDA sections and offices continue to operate within the same building. These include administrative units, technical wings, billing sections, and public facilitation counters that see heavy footfall on a daily basis. Employees report that they have no alternative workspace and are therefore compelled to carry out their duties under circumstances that they describe as nothing short of “working in the shadow of death.”
Multiple staff members, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed deep frustration over the complete inaction of the authorities. They noted that formal written requests for repairs and numerous internal reminders have been submitted repeatedly over the years. But every request has been met with silence, ignored by the very officials responsible for ensuring workplace safety and structural stability.
According to workers, the building has now deteriorated to a stage where simple repair work is no longer sufficient; comprehensive reconstruction or relocation is urgently required. One senior employee remarked, “This structure is standing only in name; everything else has already given up. No one can say when it will collapse—only that it certainly will.”
The fear is echoed by local residents who live near the compound. They say that the condition of Al-Seerah is not just a threat to the people working inside but also to surrounding homes and pedestrians. A sudden collapse could send debris tumbling into nearby streets, causing casualties and long-term disruptions in a densely populated area. One resident shared a chilling remark: “The question is not whether an accident will happen—the real question is when.”
Urban infrastructure experts note that decades-old public buildings in Sindh often suffer from the same pattern of neglect: insufficient maintenance budgets, outdated structural assessments, and an administrative culture that reacts only after a tragedy occurs. They warn that failing to address early structural warning signs significantly increases the risk of catastrophic collapse, similar to incidents seen in Karachi and other major cities where old residential and commercial buildings suddenly caved in, claiming many lives.
In the case of Al-Seerah, such a scenario would be particularly devastating given the volume of daily activity within WAPDA’s operational sections. Residents who visit the building for routine matters such as bill corrections, meter complaints, and documentation are also exposed to danger. Many have expressed discomfort entering the premises, citing loose ceilings, falling debris, and visible cracks as undeniable indicators of imminent collapse.
The situation raises important questions about workplace rights and employee safety. Experts argue that forcing workers to remain in such a hazardous environment violates basic labour protections, and that the administration has a legal and ethical responsibility to take immediate action. Several employees shared that they often fear for their lives but cannot afford to protest or refuse work due to job insecurity.
