Abu Dhabi: 68 violations issued against owners of abandoned buildings

Abu Dhabi - The violations were detected during 811 inspection campaigns last year.

Ismail Sebugwaawo

Published: Sun 31 Jan 2021, 1:04 PM

Last updated: Sun 31 Jan 2021, 1:10 PM

Sixty-eight violations were recorded against owners of old and abandoned buildings in the Abu Dhabi city in 2020, authorities have announced.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality said the violations were detected during 811 inspection campaigns.

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“The municipal inspectors identified these abandoned and dilapidated buildings while monitoring the city for general appearance. They notified the owners about the need to carry out maintenance works on these buildings so they could be reoccupied, or (they would be) demolished within 14 days,” said the municipality.

Municipal officials said the dilapidated structures included residential blocks and villas.

What happens to old buildings?

According to the municipality, such buildings “distort the urban appearance of the city” and pose health hazards.

“The inspectors examine the abandoned buildings and prepare reports to assess their condition.”

Buildings targeted under the demolition campaign include those abandoned for prolonged periods of time.

The municipal authorities earlier said such buildings have become “a source of inconvenience” for residents due to the accumulated dust and waste, growth of weeds, and the breeding of insects and rodents.

In 2019, the municipality had ordered the demolition of 70 abandoned buildings and 389 other old structures that were in bad shape.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com