Sharjah drive will rid buildings of illegal flyers and posters

sharjah — Anyone caught distributing or sticking posters and bills illegally will be deported, the Sharjah Police have warned, as they stepped up crackdown on the practice. Major-General Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commanderin-Chief of the Sharjah Police, said they received multiple complaints from residents in this regard. It has teamed up with the municipality to round up illegal advertisers.

The police patrols would first zero in on the most affected areas and track advertisers’ phone numbers, Maj-Gen Al Shamsi said. He added that residents must inform the authorities concerned (police - 901; municipality - 993) if they find such posters.

The Sharjah Municipality has deployed 50 inspectors across the city to clamp down on those who stick advertisements on walls and buildings. The civic body has removed many unauthorised billboards, posters and other advertisements. The inspectors have already issued fines to 46 individuals and companies.

A recent Sharjah Executive Council decision stipulates that the municipality is the local competent authority for granting permits for external advertisements. An individual or a company is not allowed to put up advertising materials without obtaining a permit. According to the decision, it is forbidden to place outdoor advertisements in the following places: Places of worship; archaeological, government, historical or cultural buildings; public facilities and any place that impedes traffic or visibility on the road.

Mohammed Al Kaabi, head of the city’s cleanliness control department at the municipality, said continuous inspection campaigns will be held to monitor and remove all distortions to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city. “We have seen an increase in illegal advertisements

recently. Stickers, posters, billboards and pamphlets that advertise sale of items or lease of bed spaces and residential units covered the walls of buildings, electric posts, telephone booths etc,” he said.

He warned that violators face a Dh4,000 fine.

Al Kaabi urged residents not to respond to these ads. “These are unauthorised advertisements and have no credibility or accountability.”