Dubai: Officials have addressed more than 500 complaints, requests and issues related to under-construction projects in Dubai so far this year, Dubai Municipality said.
The figure already represents more than 30 per cent of the total issues addressed in the whole of 2014.
However, the tally seems negligible considering the staggering number of under-construction projects — which total more than 15,000 — in the emirate. The issues include construction site accidents, violations and cases of non-compliance with the requirements of engineering and safety, and reports of inconvenience resulting from night-time works.
These are handled by a dedicated team of officials from the building department working round the clock. To cover the vast number of projects, the officers work under the slogan “the municipality does not sleep”.
Khalid Al Mulla, Director, Buildings Department, Dubai Municipality, said safety is top priority when it comes to monitoring projects.
The construction sites are overseen at all stages of development, from the fencing of the area, excavation and foundation work to completion and signing off with a certificate of achievement.
Abdullah Al Shezawi, who heads the engineering supervision department, said officials carry out inspections regularly at all sites under construction.
A special emergency team comprising engineers and technicians are equipped to respond to any issues brought to their notice at any time, the municipality said.
Officials are guided by “specific performance metrics” and are “taking the necessary procedures and requirements, and coordinating with other agencies and departments involved to reduce the negative effects and risks and losses resulting from non-compliance”, the civic body added.
Al Shezawi urged all stakeholders, staff of the construction sector, and the public to communicate with the municipality and to report any case of violations or dangers through the toll-free number 800900.
