One of the buildings earmarked for demolition.
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) issued a total of 99 decisions last year for demolishing and maintenance of buildings, most of which were enforced in the fast developing areas of the city.
A report released by the Demolition and Maintenance Committee at the ministry shows that 78 decisions were issued for demolition of buildings and 21 decisions for maintenance of old buildings.
Over the past 10 years since its establishment in 2006 the committee issued a total of 335 related decisions, 263 for demolition and 72 for maintenance.
Each municipality is responsible for monitoring of old buildings that should be demolished or need maintenance and take necessary action to eliminate possible risks, before transferring the case to the committee concerned, an official told this daily yesterday.
Most of the buildings that were demolished or renovated last year are located in in Najma, Old Al Ghanim (Ghanim Al Atiq) And Old Airport area, he added.
The number of demolished buildings has increased in these areas because of the ongoing infrastructure projects and new development projects. Vast majority of these building are owned by individuals not by the government, said the official.
The committee which is a permanent entity, was established in line with Ministerial Decision No. 88 for 2006, which pertains to Law No. 29 for 2006 to study the status of buildings likely to fall or those need maintenance after the cases are referred by the municipality concerned. Taking safety as top priority, the committee assesses the condition of the buildings and decides whether a total/partial demolition or maintenance is required, based on reports by experts.
Building owner has right to appeal within 15 days
As for the procedure, the committee explained that the municipality concerned informs the owner of the building about its decision whether the building is to be demolished or renovated, fully or partially. The decision is carried out by the municipality in accordance with the administrative procedures and on the expenses of the owners as stipulated by Article No. 8 of the law No. 29 for 2006.
If the owner of the building objected to the committee’s decision he/she has the right to lodge a complaint with the minister within 15 working days after the decision is issued. The minister will consider the grievance within 15 days and if it is not responded it means the complaint is rejected.
The above mentioned law considers abandoned buildings as harming public health and safety.
Ramshackle buildings are also considered unsafe for the people living in, neighbours and people passing by.
The law also says that building is considered posing risk to the public if used for illegal practices, damaged because of fire or natural disasters or left for a period not less than six months without completing construction.
