Housing encroachments rampant

Authorities here have raised concerns over rampant encroachments in Social housing units here, which according to a survey is even affecting its adjacent lands.

“Residents are even carrying out construction works on the encroached land,” the survey finds highlighting it as a serious violation. Several illegal housing modifications were detected by the authorities recently, with many facing fines for making structural changes. “They have been making modifications not only to the house but also in its immediate vicinity,” a Ministry of housing representative said.

“Such practices will attract strict actions,” the representative said, “Permits are necessary for making changes to a social housing unit.” Housing beneficiaries are well informed about the requirements for making changes and “we urge them to follow the steps,” the representative said. The Ministry of housing said it will hold inspections with the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry and the municipalities to prevent such violations.

Earlier this month, Housing Minister Bassem Al Hamer has scrapped a one-year waiting period for making housing modifications. The move followed a proposal by the four municipal councils to remove the waiting period for requesting modification permits. On housing development, the ministry said the government has constructed over 25000 housing units in the past four years.