ABU DHABI // A crackdown is under way on illegally installed satellite dishes across the capital.
Abu Dhabi Municipality says a large number of satellite dishes – many that are not even in use – have been installed on rooftops, resulting in an unsightly appearance and causing a potential health hazard.
The areas of Zafarana, Bateen, Shahama, Mussaffah and Al Wathba are receiving particular attention by inspectors.
Under existing regulations, a maximum of four satellite dishes can be installed and connected to a building’s central antenna system.
The municipality says this is enough to provide a strong television signal for all residents.
However, in many cases individual households have also erected their own dishes – either on rooftops or balconies.
“The municipality is trying to figure out a solution to this phenomenon caused by the proliferation of satellite dishes installed on rooftops and building frontals, albeit many of them are not in active use,” said Ahmed Fadil Al Mazroui, director of external centres, Abu Dhabi City Municipality.
“Many negative impacts result from the random installation of satellite dishes, such as distorting the overall view of the city due to installing multitudes of dishes on building rooftops haphazardly.”
In many cases the satellites are improperly connected and are poorly maintained, with cables strewn across walls.
This can make it difficult for paramedics and other emergency response teams to gain access to homes, he said.
The public are urged to comply with Decree No 2 of 2012, which bans the installation of more than four dishes on rooftops, or installing any satellite dishes on balconies, walls and garden fences.
The municipality is also urging companies that install and conduct maintenance of satellite dishes to follow safety standards.
For more information, call the municipality for free on 800 2220 or 800 555.
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