Corrupt Rule-Bending Blamed for Building Collapses

A Syrian lawyer says corrupt practices were responsible for the collapse of a number of buildings.



In an article published on May 20 in the Syrian Communist party’s Al-Nour newspaper, Michel Shammas noted that at least 12 buildings have fallen down in Damascus and Aleppo since 2005. He said 13,000 were at risk in the latter city.



Shammas blamed contractors who he said paid bribes in order to skirt Syrian building regulations and accused the government of largely ignoring such violations.



He urged the authorities to charge those found to be putting up housing illegally, and to embark on a large-scale programme to ensure that people have homes that meet building regulations.