Residents asked to get the hang of laundry rules
ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY WILL ISSUE FIRST-TIME WARNING FOLLOWED BY A DH1,000 FINE
S a m i h a h Z a m a n
The sight of laundry flapping on balconies can put off people and Abu Dhabi residents have been urged once more to avoid leaving their clothes out to dry in a way that mars the appearance of buildings and city streets.
Municipality inspectors will issue a first-time warning to residents, and repeat offences can result in fines up to Dh1,000, warned Khalifa Al Rumaithi, director of public health at the municipality.
In a recent campaign launched by the municipality, inspectors found that many residents continue to dry their clothes on balconies in plain view of main roads, thus spoiling the overall appearance of buildings and residential areas.
Nearly 146 warnings were issued as part of the campaign that focused on residences in Bani Yas, Musaffah and Mohammad Bin Zayed City. Post- ers urging people to shun the practice have also been put up next to elevators in buildings, and watchmen and security guards have been asked to re- mind residents to refrain from drying laundry in plain view of the streets.
Al Rumaithi recommended the use of alternative techniques to dry laundry, such as driers or clothes racks.
“[In the meantime], the municipality is following up all warnings issued to occupants of buildings and villas to ensure their compliance with these laundry-drying laws,” he said.
Another campaign launched last month saw municipal inspectors remind residents not to install satellite dishes and television antennas on balconies or windows.
Similar directives were also issued by Sharjah Municipality in January, with warnings of Dh250 fines.
Ajman Municipality and Dubai Municipality have also repeatedly urged residents not to dry laundry in public view.