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Capital’s outlets ordered to raze provisional attics

Business entities found erecting floors between the ceiling and the ground for extra work or storage space will come under the strict provisions of the law, ADM said.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi (ADM) ordered all commercial outlets and bakeries in the Capital to remove such attics or upper decks in a week for the safety of workers and to avoid accidents.Those who fail to do so in a week’s time, the legal action will be taken against them.

Such a practice constitutes a direct threat to the life and health of these workers as they lack the requirements of public health requirements due to the disorderly electric extensions and sewage lines, besides being frequently cramped with workers and gas cylinders or sometimes used as makeshift stores.

During a recent campaign, the municipality ordered for the removal of 65 upper decks. It also reported 106 offences and issued 308 warning notices.

Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Director, Public Health, ADM,said the campaign mainly targeted those outlets which erected upper decks for workers’ accommodation, kitchens and toilets.

The outlets were also found to be using such space as storage for gas cylinders, chemicals and engine oils, Rumaithi said.

He has called on owners and business managers of commercial, industrial, professional and occupational outlets to provide proper housing for their employees and live up to health and occupational safety standards.

Rumaithi stressed the importance of removing upper decks made within commercial and professional outlets in order to maintain the safety of the workers, and protect them against accidents and injuries.

The municipality is making continuous efforts in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, the Ministry of Labour, the Naturalisation and Residency Directorate, the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones, and all concerned authorities to ensure that workers from such attic spaces are relocated to better living conditions.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com