Over 200 abandoned buildings demolished
abu dhabi — More than 200 abandoned buildings were demolished in Abu Dhabi as the civic body continues with its crackdown on old and abandoned houses.
The Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) on Wednesday said that it has so far demolished 220 buildings in various areas of Abu Dhabi and issued decisions to bring down 272 others.
The municipality said that it was currently demolishing 37 other abandoned homes.
The demolition works covered areas including old Al Samha, Fishers Port in Abu Dhabi, Sector W 50, West Abu Dhabi Island, West 50, East 14 Sector in Abu Dhabi Island, and the Free Zone.
The municipality said the dilapidated structures that include residential homes and other establishments were distorting the aesthetic outlook of the city. Municipal officials also urged owners of old and abandoned buildings in Abu Dhabi and suburban areas to take corrective actions towards such buildings in cooperation with the municipality and other concerned parties.
“Such buildings distort the urban appearance of the city and contribute to the pollution and the inconvenience of residents, besides the health hazards posed to nearby inhabitants,” the municipality said in a statement.
The municipality said it had identified some abandoned buildings in Abu Dhabi city and the areas of Musaffah and Al Wathba and these include shaded industrial plots, commercial outlets, residential buildings and communal houses.
“The municipality is studying these cases to take action in line with the applicable rules and regulations governing the building works in Abu Dhabi,” said officials.
According to the municipality, populated old buildings which constitute an impending danger, are treated like abandoned buildings. Reports in respect of these buildings will be referred to the committee for the issuance of appropriate decisions according to the applicable procedures and will be vacated if needed.
Buildings targeted under the removal campaign include buildings abandoned for prolonged periods and constituting eyesores in districts and streets in such a way marring the gorgeous urbanisation of Abu Dhabi and suburban areas.
Residents welcome the move
Egyptian expat Saeed Hassan, a real estate agent and resident of Al Bateen, said demolishing old homes was a good move because they don’t match with the city’s modern appearance.
“It is good that old villas and residential buildings are brought down and being replaced with new ones that meet the standards of the city,” he said.
“Besides, many tenants don’t want to stay in old houses because they have maintenance problems and pose danger to their safety and security.”
Emirati Mohammed Khalid, a resident of Mushrif, said: “Old and abandoned villas in some areas have become a burden and a source of inconvenience for residents due to the accumulated dust and waste.”
“Weeds grow in these abandoned homes and they are also breeding places for insects and rodents.”