Aerial Inspection of Houses, Buildings to Spot Violations

Omar Al Hashemi, Head of the City Image Management Section and General Services Office in the municipality, told Khaleej Times that the municipality used the Ministry of Interior’s helicopters for aerial inspections to report any violation on buildings’ rooftops and inside villas.

“The aerial raids provide the authorities concerned with live feed and data to take the necessary measures against violators,” he added.

During the campaign, around 25 inspectors detected 182 violations.

As many as 42 of the illegal structures were voluntarily removed by the owners or landlords.

The municipality forcibly removed another 28 structures. The rest of the violations are being dealt with.

Al Hashemi said the municipality engaged all inspectors from the five centres in Abu Dhabi, Zafarana, Musafah, Wathba and Shahama to conduct inspection raids around the emirate in day and night shifts.

The emerging trend of buildings not complying with the construction and safety standards poses an imminent threat to those residing in them as well as their neighbours.

It also damages the city’s appearance, environment and public health, he added.

adel@khaleejtimes.com