Sharjah: Municipal authorities in Sharjah have stepped up a crackdown on residents who give buildings an unkempt look despite repeated appeals not to tarnish the image of neighbourhoods.
Since January, Sharjah Municipality has issued 3,753 fines to people for leaving laundry out on their balconies or installing satellite dishes despite repeated reminders to the contrary. Civic officials also recently began distributing leaflets printed in Arabic, English, Farsi and Hindi in residential areas besides leaving clear messages at the entrance to buildings.
Abdul Aziz Al Mansouri, assistant director general for technical affairs at Sharjah Municipality, said the municipality had earlier issued warnings about the consequences of hanging laundry on balconies or using them as storage areas but the rules had still been flouted.
Awareness campaign
The pamphlets also advise residents to call the municipality hotline 993 for queries and clarifications about the rules.
"The public need more awareness on the rules because such violations have been reported on a daily basis. In order to preserve the public health and the appearance of Sharjah, we are educating the public once again," Al Mansouri said.
A municipality circular was issued earlier in the year notifying landlords about the risks of storing heavy boxes and household items on their balconies. Municipality inspection teams are now visiting all residential areas to ensure compliance with the rules.
Al Mansouri said the leaflets clearly state that anyone violating the rules will invite a fine of up to Dh250 that has to be paid within one week. Any further delay in the payment will see the fine go up to Dh500.
Hotline
Residents need to call the municipality hotline 993 for any queries about the rules.
