Abu Dhabi Municipality to clamp down on illegal bachelor accommodation

Abu Dhabi Municipality has begun cracking down on illegal bachelors' accommodation in the Bani Yas, Al Wathba and Al Shawamekh areas.

ABU DHABI // A clampdown on illegal accommodation for bachelors in Bani Yas, Al Wathba and Al Shawamekh has been launched by Abu Dhabi Municipality.
With the help of police, the municipality is now strictly enforcing its residential laws, which set a limit of three people per room and prohibit makeshift partitions subdividing rooms.
The clampdown comes in response to complaints by residents and after a lengthy investigation by the municipality, according to Owaida Al Qubaisi, the acting executive director of municipal services.
Mohammed Ali Al Mansouri, an official of Al Wathba Municipal Centre, said the campaign will involve inspectors visiting villas to check for unlicensed partitions or additions. The campaign will also seek to educate the public on the health and environmental risks associated with illegally subdivided housing.
"Of course, a written first warning is served in the first occurrence to offenders who are then given a period to redress the offence," Mr Al Mansouri said.
"But if the offence remains in place and the offender fails to rectify the existing situation, the offence will be referred to the Municipal Prosecution Office, which in turn will refer it to the Municipal Court for deciding on as per the applicable laws."
He said that relocating labourers found in illegal accommodation was not only in the interest of the neighbourhood's other residents, but benefited the workers as well.
"Relocating them to residential quarters fitted with all means of comfort, security and suitable lodging provided with all public facilities as well as shopping centres, mosques, transit means, an effective security system and health welfare is intended to serve them and serve the community as a whole."
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