Al Seef Tower OA seeks answers on charges
An owners' association in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) is concerned about paying both the Dubai Municipality's housing fee and the master-community charges as they believe they could be paying "twice" for the same services.
Mohamed Metwally, Chairman, Al Seef Tower 2, Owners' Association Board, told Emirates Business: "We need more clarity with respect to what the charges will be levied for. As, in our case, the building is in JLT, which is master-developed by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), we are also paying a master-community charge. We do not want both these charges to overlap each other.
"JLT residents are all for paying for excellent municipality services such as that typically provided by municipality, which has made Dubai a great city to live in.
"However, residents of JLT would like to have a better understanding of the breakdown of the service charges imposed by the master-developer as well on JLT residents. We hope that JLT residents are not disadvantaged by double paying fees and charges for municipality services as well as master-community charges as it appears to be the case right now," said Metwally.
"JLT residents need to understand which jurisdiction JLT falls under for municipality services. Which jurisdiction is responsible for street lighting, street landscaping, waste collection, etc, in JLT."
Metwally said residents in areas such as Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim only pay Dubai Municipality fees, which take care of landscaping, community playgrounds and gardens, waste collection, street lighting, etc. "Right now it appears that residents of JLT are paying both the DMCC and Dubai Municipality fees for the same services, thereby subjecting JLT residents to double pay up for municipality services."
Another resident of Dubai, who did not wish to be named, said: "If the Dubai Municipality wishes to charge the housing fees, then uniformity is better and all projects should be subject to this charge. Some should not be exempted while others pay."
"Dubai Municipality claims that everyone in Dubai is using municipality services some way or the other and thus the charge. However, I believe the charge is high and if everyone in Dubai will end up paying this charge, then these charges should be made reasonable."