DM destroys 145 abandoned buildings

Building inspection section at Dubai Municipality, in coordination with Dubai Police, has executed a campaign to eliminate entire abandoned buildings and yards in the emirate.

The campaign aimed to eradicate the phenomenon, which distorts the aesthetic view of Dubai, maintain public health and to prevent illegal practices in these buildings.

Jaber Ahmed Abdullah Al Ali, Acting Head of Building Inspection Section, said the municipal teams of qualified technical engineers and specialists covered an area of ​​4,034 km squares and found 518 abandoned buildings and yards. The evaluation of these buildings shows that most of them are dilapidated, falling apart, or were constructed without licence and cause a danger to adjacent buildings. They also distort the landscape and pose a health threat and security risk in most cases.

He explained the municipality demolished and removed 145 buildings and yards, which is 28 per cent of total abandoned buildings and yards in the emirate. The follow-up is ongoing regarding the status of remaining abandoned buildings and yards until they are removed or corrected with necessary maintenance work. The complaints and notifications on those buildings reached 421, which have been processed and completed on time by 100 per cent.

Jaber said the negative effects and risks caused by these buildings and yards are many. Some of them have been used for committing different types of crimes, delinquencies and harbouring infiltrators and fugitives. It is dangerous to the environment, public health and causes to the accumulation of waste and spread of insects and rodents. In addition, these places are exploited for the practice of illegal economic activities (as warehouses for storing goods or unauthorized manufacturing). Moreover, it obstacles the re-planning and development of the structural plan of urban areas. 

According to Jaber, Building Department will address the owners of these buildings through official letters urging them to pay attention and perform maintenance for those buildings and yards. They will be granted one month from the date of receipt of the message. The department will announce each case in official newspapers to notify all owners giving two weeks time for necessary action. After the deadline, in the event of failure to take necessary actions, the department will demolish and remove those buildings imposing on owners the cost of demolition with the addition of 20 per cent of the total cost as administrative expense.

Ali appreciated the role of public to eradicate this phenomenon, pointing to the need for cooperation with the municipality to report promptly such cases by contacting the contact centre: 800900.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.