76 firms are warned, 7 fined for flouting pest control norms

DUBAI — Some 67 shops and establishments in various parts of Dubai were issued warning notices and seven establishments were fined during the month of September for violating the prevailing pest control and surveillance procedures.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Sun 24 Oct 2004, 10:13 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 2:43 PM

The monthly report of the Pest Control Section of Dubai Municipality noted that action was taken against the violators during routine inspections. The section also warned 67 establishments and fined nine others under the Local Order 82/93 pertaining to the control of public health pests in the emirate of Dubai. Another establishment was fined, two others were warned under the Local Order 58/91, while a warning notice was issued to another establishment under the Local Order 57/91.

According to the monthly report, the section also fined a company for unauthorised use of pesticides and another company for not following correct procedure in pesticide treatment. In addition to enforcing the regulations, the section's work also involved attending to 1,125 civic complaints during the period under review.

Nasser Obaid, Head of Pest Control Section in the Public Health Department, said the inspections were part of a series of measures taken by the section to preserve public health and prevent pest-borne diseases from occurring in the emirate.

Foodstuff shops, construction companies and other establishments have to comply with general cleanliness rules stipulated by the section and should be free from pests that are harmful to human health.

In order to detect the entry of new exotic pest species in Dubai through seaports and bird sanctuaries, the Pest Control Section Laboratory has been continuing regular monitoring activity in these strategic areas. Monitoring in Dubai International Airport is rendered impossible because of the extensive construction work going on there.

A fresh batch of students from Dubai Men’s College Public Health Faculty received a one-day session titled 'An introduction to Pest Control Section - its objectives and functions'. Students were also introduced to the latest training facilities available at the section.

The report said the section has inspected according to the two parts inspection checklist, 32 private pest control companies in Dubai during September. Five companies passed in one part of inspection and 27 companies passed in both parts.

Five supervisor candidates from four existing pest control companies and one from a new establishment appeared for termite control and supervisor examination to get qualified and start new pest control companies. Only one of the candidates passed. Four pest control operator candidates from different private companies appeared for the test and only two passed.