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- Dubai 05:07 06:20 12:29 15:54 18:33 19:47
The owner of Al Nasser tower in Sharjah has confirmed that he will provide accommodation to families affected by the blaze until the maintenance of the tower is complete, reported Arabic daily Al Khaleej.
The owner has promised authorities and residents to hire a licenced maintenance company within 24 hours to restore the fire alarm in the tower, and take up all necessary preventive measures to ensure residents return to a safer tower.
He confirmed the above on ‘Al Khat Al Mubasher’ programme, while speaking on phone to Brigadier Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director, Civil Defence Department, Sharjah.
Meanwhile, Brigadier Al Suwaidi said he met with the representatives of the owner and they have promised to accommodate all families affected through the services of UAE Red Crescent.
At the meeting, Al Suwaidi also discussed strategies with Civil Defence and Sharjah Planning Department officials to develop safety solutions for high-rises that comprise over three floors.
Khalifa bin Hidah Al Suwaidi, Director, Engineering Department, Sharjah Municipality, confirmed that the concrete structure of the tower was unscathed.
And that of the 250 apartments, only 54 flats were damaged.
He added that only the municipality can assign contractors to undertake maintenance work and in order complete all affected floors, it may take two months.
Earlier report: Homeless, no power or water
Sharjah Al Nasser tower fire victims are homeless and without water and electricity, after the expiry of accommodation offered by Red Crescent, reported Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm.
Residents say they are forced to sleep in parking lots as they cannot return to their homes and cannot afford alternative houses, either.
Sharjah Municipality has said that the detailed report about the cause of fire is expected today and they will take steps to help affected residents.
Brigadier Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director, Civil Defense Department of Sharjah, said initial investigations have confirmed that fire safety and security system was not working in the building.
He added that the Civil Defence Department is awaiting an agreement between the owner and maintenance company to enable Sewa to restore electricity to the building.
Meanwhile, Khamis Al Suwaidi, Director, Red Crescent Authority, Sharjah, confirmed that emergency housing was provided by the body for three days. But it was extended to 12 days and families were given shelter in hotels. They were notified two days ago that their hotel accommodation would terminate today.
The maintenance company official has now appealed to Red Crescent to extend accommodation to affected residents until they undertake maintenance of the tower. He added that only 20 per cent of the building was damaged.
He added that the building is insured and that the insurance company is awaiting the investigation report.
Meanwhile, he added that the owner will not collect rents for the affected period and cheques collected for October will be returned.
More than 150 families are affected.
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