RAK Municipality bans makeshift structures

Any casual makeshift buildings in Ras Al Khaimah will be demolished, warns municipality.

The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has warned of strict action, including hefty fines and immediate demolition, against unlicensed makeshift structures.
As per the decision by the civic body, any casual makeshift buildings in the emirate will be demolished, according to a top official.
Munzir bin Shukr Al Zaabi, Director-General of the RAK Municipality, said the move is aimed at protecting the civilised image of the emirate and "plan the empty areas in a better way.
"The RAK Municipality will allocate a plot of land at a suitable location so that anyone can build his own makeshift structures as per the set rules and regulations."
Recently, the municipality received complaints from the public about illegal makeshift barns built within residential areas, and that their owners let their animals loose.
"Some people here are careless and pay no attention to their neighbours," said Mustafa Salem, a resident of the Shaml area. "It is illegal to raise animals within residential areas. These should be kept in separate barns."
Bin Shukr said the municipality has demolished tens of deserted farms and makeshift houses built in violation of law in six different areas in the emirate. "These include the areas of Al Maamura, Julphar, Dahan, Al Rifa, Al Jazeera Al Hamra and Awafi." The plots where these structures were built will be cleared and distributed to eligible Emiratis so that they can build new houses, he pointed out.
The project is aimed at ensuring public safety and security, enhancing cleanliness and boosting the civilised and beautiful image of the emirate. The department concerned has already specified up to 400 deserted houses some time back in different areas, including Al Rifa, Al Jazeera Al Hamra and Awafi.
"We will either demolish or restore these buildings which have mostly become dens and hideouts for criminals, absconders, illegals and drug abusers, let alone rubbish, rodents and dangerous reptiles."
Saleh Ali, a resident of Al Jazeera Al Hamra, said illegal makeshift houses, mainly the deserted ones, smell terrible after turning into landfills. "These deserted buildings attract stray animals and tarnish the image of the city."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah