No industrial activity in residential areas

The municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Housing, will check the title deeds of properties about which complaints are received, to ascertain the purpose for which the land has been registered, he said.

“The authorities will take all necessary steps to ensure building owners comply with the law. No industrial activity will be allowed in residential areas. They should be shifted to the respective designated areas,” he said. Warehouses set up to store building materials, including electrical gadgets and cement, pose a major health hazard to the residents. Heavy trucks frequent these areas, obstructing traffic movement and often leading to collision of vehicles.

While storage of electrical equipment poses safety threat to residents, the risk from cement dust is many, including lung function impairment and allergies.

In some cases, alterations are also made by occupants of the properties in collusion with the owners to suit their activities.

According to Muscat Municipality Building Regulation Act, no alteration is allowed in the approved permit, drawings or any other official document unless prior approval is obtained from the department concerned.

“No alterations shall be endorsed unless signed and stamped by the department that issued the permit or the document,” says Article 103 of the Act.