Sharjah to evacuate bachelors from family residential areas

Our Correspondent

Sharjah City Municipality has started a campaign to evacuate bachelors and workers living in areas designated for families, in order to ensure the safety and security of families residing there. The drive is on the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Many residents in Al Qadisiya had complained about lack of privacy, thefts and unruly behaviour by bachelors. The decision was prompted by a phone call from an Emirati woman to a direct-line programme broadcast over Sharjah TV and Radio in September, where she complained about the presence of labourers and bachelors in the area, who made her feel unsafe.

The Municipality began its campaign in Al Qadisiya area in cooperation with Sharjah Police and Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority on September 27. The municipality formed teams to conduct a complete survey of the area and count the number of violating housing units inhabited by bachelors. More than 60 houses were notified for evacuation within a short specific period.

About 4000 bachelors were evicted from 185 ‘family only’ residences during 1,514 inspections carried out by the Sharjah Municipality in Al Qadisiya area. The civic body also issued fines to owners of 161 residential units for not complying with subletting regulations. The inspection team served 169 warning notices during the operation.

Thabit Al-Turaifi, Director General of Sharjah City Municipality, confirmed that the municipality will also start campaigns in areas such as Al Nasiriyah, Al-Sabkha, and Maysaloun. It will immediately cut off services for residences making violations such as unapproved engineering divisions and random electrical connection that may pose danger to the inhabitants.