ABU DHABI // Inspection teams from Abu Dhabi Municipality have been carrying out checks for public health and hygiene breaches in Bani Yas and Al Wathba as part of a campaign to crack down on poorly maintained buildings.
More than 238 offences were registered over the past two months, said Mohammed Al Mansouri, manager of Al Wathba municipal centre. There were 25 buildings found to be overrun with rodents and insects that were marked for demolition after inspectors declared them unfit for habitation and sent notices to landlords.
“The municipal system is keen on following up warnings issued to violators to redress the offences and make sure that they observe all standards of security, public health and safety.
“This campaign reflects the commitment of the municipal system in Abu Dhabi to ensure safety and health of the community, meet all health requirements and maintain public hygiene in accommodations, commercial outlets, restaurants.”
A restaurant in breach of health standards was reported during the campaign, Mr Al Mansouri said, adding that the case was referred to Bani Yas prosecution.
Several health offences were detected by inspection teams in overcrowded workers’ accommodation, where insects and rodents were found and minimum health requirements were not being met, he said.
A detailed plan has been drawn up by the municipality to handle buildings that were deemed to be health hazards.
Inspection squads have been working with the Public Health Division in Al Wathba, while the municipality was also working with Bani Yas police station to take action against overcrowded workers’ accommodation.
The programme also aims to move company accommodation for workers and bachelors away from family villas and residential neighbourhoods.
“The phenomenon of bachelors and families crowding residential districts has brought about many problems and challenges,” Mr Al Mansouri said.
The campaign highlights the importance of complying with engineering specifications and meeting safety regulations by ensuring workers’ accommodations are licensed and approved.
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