No industrial activities in residential areas

There have been complaints from residents in areas like Ruwi, Wadi Kabir, Muttrah, etc about the presence of warehouses and workshops in their areas. This violates civic laws OFFICIAL Muscat Municipality

The Muscat Municipality has cautioned against any commercial activity that hampers the tranquillity of residential neighbourhood.

The warning came amid raids on industrial activity by way of establishing workshops, warehouses and garages in various residential areas in the city.

“It not only does violate the civic laws, but also creates nuisance to the residents. Violators will face strict penal action,” warned an official at the General Directorate of the municipality.

The civic authorities, in cooperation with the Royal Oman Police (ROP), have conducted a series of raids in many parts of the city, including Wadi Kabir, from where violations were tracked, last week.

“Legal proceedings have been initiated for carrying out unauthorised plumbing activities in a residential building,” the official said.

Article 115 of the civic law prohibits establishment of workshops, factories or crushers, or sale of construction materials in residential neighbourhoods which cause inconvenience to the public.

According to the official, properties should not be used for purposes other than what they have been registered for under the building permit.

“There have been complaints from residents in areas like Ruwi, Wadi Kabir, Muttrah, etc about the presence of warehouses and workshops in their areas,” he said.