Abu Dhabi Municipality Issues 66 Offences to Workers Quarters at Wathba South

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM) has carried out a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting construction sites at Al Wathba South to verify the implementation of the standards governing urban appearance, security and safety of residents of these quarters. The campaign aimed to review the compliance of supervisors of these residences with the delivery of services and means of living to workers in a civilised manner. The inspection also verified the availability of permits from the parties concerned with the construction of workers quarters at construction sites.

The campaign illustrates the commitment of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities with the humanitarian values advocated by the UAE in dealing with all demography living on the UAE land. It stems from the Municipality’s perception of the importance of providing proper means of decent and stable living for workers and providing with resources. It focused on ensuring that workers avail the rights provided for in the rules and legislation of the UAE as regards workers relationship with their employers with an emphasis on the basic standards of proper civilised accommodation.

The campaign, which was launched on 8 October, and is still on the go, has resulted so far in issuing 66 offences relating to workers accommodation in construction sites in the said areas. The campaign is based on Law No (16) for 2009 governing the building works including the building of workers accommodations. Article No (2) governing safety and security of pedestrians and neighbouring buildings under construction provides for issuing a fine of AED10,000.

Similar campaigns will continue with the aim of covering all workers accommodation areas. Examples of violations spotted in workers accommodation include the lack of compliance with the safety and security stipulations as well as cleaning and health requirements among others.

It is noteworthy that the ADM has issued a Resolution obliging firms employing large numbers of workers to provide lists of the name of workers and technicians along with supporting documents proving housing them in the allocated accommodations. The fulfillment of this requirement is a precondition for the authentication of contracts, building permits and land applications among other municipal services in order to ensure proper accommodation for workers.