230,000 locks to be put on Abu Dhabi windows

Abu Dhabi’s largest commercial and residential building management firm has announced plans to put more than 230,000 locks on windows and balconies in its buildings in the capital to prevent accidental falls, particularly children.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), an affiliate of the government-controlled Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, said the project would be completed within one year and would cover all its buildings and villas in the city and its outskirts.

The company said its inspectors and technicians would visit more than 40,000 housing units before the project is launched.

“We expect to install more than 230,000 safety locks on apartment windows and balconies to prevent falling accidents,” the semi official daily Al Ittihad said, quoting ADCP managing director Abdullah Al Suwaidi.

More than 20 people, mostly children, have died or were injured in falling accidents in tall buildings in Abu Dhabi over the past three years.