Campaign against partitioned villas slowing down
The ongoing campaign of the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning against partitioned villas has been slowed down by difficulties in identifying such villas, The Peninsula has reported.
Salim Hammoud Al Shafi, director of the monitoring department at Doha Municipality told an Arabic daily that in many cases, the municipal inspectors have been forced to rely on outside observation to identify partitioned villas since they are not authorised to enter the houses, without a prior approval.
Even after identifying a villa, confirming a violation and taking corrective action could involve lengthy procedures.
“We are facing problems in identifying partitioned villas. We depend on two things. First, complaints from people. Even after receiving a complaint, we cannot enter the house without a permission from the owner or the Public Prosecution,” said Al Shafi.
The other way to identify a partitioned villa is through outside observation. Officials had earlier disclosed the factors they consider during this observation such as the number of cars parked in front of a villa, electricity and water connection, and number of air-conditioners.
“The law (banning illegal partitioning of villas and other buildings) has been implemented taking into account the impact of this practice on infrastructure, environment and the health and safety of the people,” said Al Shafi.
He said the violators can seek a licence to legalise the partitioning, if it is required, after paying the fine and rectifying the violation.
Applications for a licence for partitioning or maintenance is handled by the technical affairs department of the municipality.
He said since the ministry launched the current campaign, a number of cases have been referred for detailed investigation. They would then be transferred to the Public Prosecution and to the judiciary.
Meanwhile, several member of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) have called for more affordable, multi-storey buildings to address the severe shortage of residential space in the country.
They pointed out that the greedy and unscrupulous middlemen are cashing on this shortage through partitioning of villas.
CMC member Mahmoud Al Shafi said: “This phenomenon continues in many residential areas, despite the measures taken by the municipalities. I myself had complained against this to the authorities but they only impose a fine and ask (the violator) to correct the modification.”
He said the solution is to open new residential facilities outside the city and take strict measures against the middlemen.
Mohammed bin Faisal Al Shahwani , another CMC member also shared similar sentiments. “We submitted many reports on this issue. There are inspections but no change in the situation. This happens because of the pressure of the increasing population,” he told the daily.
“We have to build vertical structures outside the city and rent it out at affordable prices,” he added.
According to CMC member Mohammed Salim Al Qamra, the root cause of the problem should be addressed. “ Low income families must not be left in the mercy of these middlemen. They are living in poor health conditions,” he said.
