A taskforce has been set up in Hamad Town to tackle the issue of abandoned buildings, which have become hotbeds for crime and drug abuse, according to officials. These neglected homes not only pose safety risks but also facilitate illegal activities, diminishing the quality of life for local residents. The Northern Governorate Police Directorate is working closely with the municipal council and other authorities to address security concerns related to these buildings, including overseeing their demolition and securing them to prevent criminal activity.
Engineer Reda Jassim from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) highlighted steps that have already been taken, such as cutting off power from abandoned buildings and conducting safety checks. However, there are limitations faced by the council in terms of enforcement, as they can only intervene in immediate danger or collapse situations. Dr Hussain Al Jamari, a legal advisor to the Northern Municipality, suggested changes to the Buildings Regulation Act to give the council the authority to transfer problematic properties to the Ministry of Housing, which currently faces challenges due to many derelict buildings being privately owned.
The Ministry of Housing reviews housing projects annually and steps in when necessary, but their hands are tied when it comes to private properties. If a building is deemed dangerous, the case is referred to the courts for legal action. The Northern Governorate Municipal Council has taken the lead in creating a taskforce that will coordinate efforts to inspect and follow up on abandoned properties, working with the EWA, the Ministry of Housing, and the police. The goal is to find long-term solutions to the issue and bring safety and peace back to the residents of the Northern Governorate.
In a meeting at the Northern Governorate Municipal Council, officials from various departments discussed the growing problem of abandoned buildings in Hamad Town. Council member Abdulla Al Qubaisi highlighted the threat posed by these neglected homes, which have become breeding grounds for crime and drug abuse. The taskforce led by Dr Sayyed Shbbar Al Wadai will work to address the safety risks and illegal activities associated with these properties, reflecting the frustration of the local population with authorities’ slow response.
The meeting shed light on the efforts of different departments, such as the EWA’s annual maintenance programme to identify and rectify issues in abandoned buildings, and the police’s actions to oversee demolitions and prevent criminal activities in unsafe properties. Engineer Reda Jassim from the EWA emphasized the importance of practical measures to address the issue, while Dr Hussain Al Jamari advocated for changes to the Buildings Regulation Act to empower the council to transfer problematic properties to the Ministry of Housing. The Ministry, however, faces challenges with privately owned derelict buildings in Hamad Town, and the taskforce aims to coordinate efforts for long-term solutions.
Captain Salem Murad from the Northern Governorate Police Directorate explained the police’s role in addressing security concerns related to abandoned buildings, working with the municipal council and other authorities to secure properties and prevent criminal activity. Despite the challenges faced by each department, the creation of the taskforce at the Northern Governorate Municipal Council meeting signals a coordinated effort to tackle the issue and restore safety and peace to the residents of the area. By working together with the EWA, the Ministry of Housing, and the police, the taskforce aims to find solutions to the problem of abandoned buildings in Hamad Town.
