Dubai: Residents of the fire-ravaged Tamweel Tower, who moved into the restored building last year, have shelled out Dh1.6 million towards repair works, according to a member of the Owners’ Association Board.
Mohammed M, association board member and owner of a two-bedroom apartment in the building in Cluster U, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), said the Dh1.6 million was in addition to what the insurance provider covered for the restoration works.
155 flats occupied
On November 18, 2012, the 34-storey tower was engulfed in flames and declared ‘uninhabitable’. After five years of negotiating with insurance companies and relevant government authorities, the building was finally restored and made ready for handover last July. Of the 160 units, 155 are currently occupied. While 50 are inhabited by owners, the rest have been leased out to tenants.
“We received the completion certificate for the building’s restoration last July. Upon visiting the place, we found a number of things that needed to be fixed. But we were told they were not in the scope of the insurance coverage. So it was our responsibility, as owners, to address these issues.”
Personal capacity
He said, “The Dh1.6 million which residents coughed up in their personal capacity went towards replacing ceiling tiles, ceiling lights, marble for the lobby flooring and staircase doors.”
“On an average, each owner paid between Dh10,000 and Dh12,000 to get these things fixed.” Mohammad said. “In addition, we had to pay capacity charges for the last five years. This came up to Dh15,000. Another Dh15,000 went towards moving in expenses, getting utility connections restored and certain preventive maintenance.”
He said the losses that residents have suffered in terms of having to make alternate living arrangements, rents forfeited and mortgage payments over the past five years have been massive. “The amount at a minimum is Dh700,000. The rental loss and mortgage settlements amount to Dh500,000.”
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