Crackdown on abandoned properties in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - In 2015, the ADM spotted 274 abandoned houses in Abu Dhabi city and neighbouring areas.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) called on owners of abandoned houses in the city and suburban areas to redress the status of their properties, due to their impact on public health. The call was made during an ongoing campaign held by the municipality and affiliated external municipal centres to find a problem to the many abandoned houses in the emirate. Abandoned properties often develop into a breeding ground for insects and rodents, undermining the safety and security of residents.
Beside Abu Dhabi Island, the campaign covered the Mohammed bin Zayed Residential City, Khalifa City, Baniyas, Al Shamkha, Al Khatam, Al Wathba, Shakhbout City, Al Shawamekh, Al Nahda, Al Adlah and Al Mua'azaz.
In 2015, the ADM spotted 274 abandoned houses in Abu Dhabi city and neighbouring areas. And these cases were dealt with in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. ADM had issued 14 offence tickets to owners of abandoned houses and served warnings to owners of remaining houses calling them to redress the status of these houses or remove them.
As part of the drive, the municipality reported 47 abandoned houses at Al Shahama, five public buildings, and 49 farm structures. The municipality reminded residents of the potential risks resulting from the continued presence of these old houses threatening the lives, security and health of residents. Accordingly, all reported buildings have been referred to competent bodies for taking appropriate actions as stipulated by the building law. The ADM highlighted the procedures taken against owners of such houses where specialist technical and engineering committees assess the condition of the building, and another committee attends to the demolition and removal of debris. The municipality has standing procedures for spotting abandoned building by inspection teams, and referring them to the committee for inspecting such buildings marring the public appearance in order to compile a technical report about the condition of the building. The building will then be examined to ensure that it is no longer fit for living. In case the landlord fails to re-port to the municipality, administrative demolition decisions shall be is-sued pursuant to the provisions of the Building Law.
A notice shall be published in the official gazette calling the landlord to report to the municipality within a month. In case the landlord still fails to attend, the municipality's demolition committee shall under-take the demolition in accordance with the administrative decision. In case the building requires only maintenance, a warning shall be served to the landlord to carry out the maintenance works before the building is reused pursuant to Article (24) of Building Law No. 16/2009.
A fine of Dh20,000 shall be imposed as per Law No. 2/2012 regarding the protection of urban appearance, and public health and security. The fine imposed will vary according to the offence type. The landlord shall bear the full costs of demolition of the abandoned house upon issuance of a formal demolition decision, and after the elapse of the grace period granted by the municipality to landlords.
reporter@khaleejtimes.com