Discovery Gardens residents call for immediate access cards activation

Dubai: Four months after Discovery Gardens residents were given access cards to enter their building as part of a security overhaul in the community, the cards have not been activated yet.

In April, Nakheel started installing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and access control systems in Discovery Gardens buildings after a spate of thefts and burglaries rocked the community.

While the CCTV cameras are in place, the access control system is yet to become operational, according to residents.

Delay

“We thought it was a matter of urgency for all residents to get their own access cards. But it has been four months and the cards are yet to be activated. We certainly hope that Nakheel will do all it can to speed up the process,” said one resident.

He said for a studio apartment Nakheel is giving two security access cards, for a one-bedroom apartment three access cards and for a two-bedroom apartment there are four access cards to the owner or tenant. “Additional access cards can be bought for Dh350 per card,” said the resident.

A mother of two in one building said she was concerned about the delay in getting the access control system operational.

“As you can see there are no security personnel manning the buildings. There is a desk and a chair in the lobby of the building, but no one sits here. In other words, anybody can enter and exit the community. We sincerely hope that Nakheel will spring into action as soon as possible to get the security system working.”

As XPRESS visited one of the buildings, a notice by Nakheel was posted on the door that read: “RESTRICTED ACCESS – Entry for authorised card holders only.” No immediate comment was available from Nakheel.

Discovery Gardens consists of six themed communities inspired by garden living, and includes Zen, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Mogul, Mesoamerican and Cactus courtyard gardens.