Sharjah razes illegal barns

sharjah — In a major crackdown, the Sharjah Municipality razed illegal animal barns as well as abandoned, unauthorised structures in the remote areas of the city. The demolition drive was carried out following a series of complaints received by the civic body.

The inspection team monitored the removal of the illegal barns and constructions, said Thabet Al Taraifi, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality. He pointed out that the municipality is making huge efforts to stamp out all illegal practices that spoil the city’s aesthetic image and will soon introduce regulations to check the operation of all barns and manors.

The inspectors would visit the targeted area and give the illegal barn owners a grace period to remove the violations. They will get the barn pulled down if its owner doesn’t comply within the grace period and pays no heed to the warning issued to him during the preliminary inspection, he pointed out.

The municipality has been raising awareness among barn owners to educate them about the importance to abide by the laws, as their livestock — such as cows and camels — can pose hazard if they venture out on the street. These animals have caused a number of traffic accidents, leading to loss of lives and property. Al Taraifi said the municipality is intensifying campaigns to spread more awareness among the barn owners, warning them of the dangers caused by the animals.

The civic body is working hard to implement guidelines and norms for building barns and sensitise people not to flout the stipulated standards. The public needs to cooperate with the municipality to remove these barns and illegal structures, Al Taraifi said.