MUSCAT, Nov 29 - Despite laws that ban contractors and owners stacking building materials on the roadside, such activity is rampant at many construction sites.
Internal roads are the worst hit with heaps of sand, rods, bricks and other construction material dumped on the side, causing inconvenience to residents and motorists.
“This is in total violation of the civic rules which specify that all building materials should be stored within the premises where construction is in progress,” said Salim al Ghamari, Municipal Councillor from Muttrah.
According to Article 113 of the Muscat Municipality Building Construction Law, the owner or contractor shall keep all building material remains of the building within the premises to avoid any kind of inconvenience to the public.
“Any person who builds or lays the foundation of any building shall take all necessary measures to secure the safety of neighbours, their property, protection of workers, passersby, roads and whatever is under or above the ground, including equipment and public service facilities,” states Article 105 of the law.
Equally alarming is the condition inside the premises where all discarded materials along with filth are piled up, making it a breeding ground for insects and rodents.
In some cases, a temporary accommodation is erected inside the premises for the stay of a ‘watchman’ without proper sewage and other facilities posing threat to safety.
According to Al Ghamari, the municipality should have more powers to deal with those who violate the law and endanger the public health.
“Simple punitive actions such as fines will not stop the violations. The municipality should be armed with more powers like that of the police so that law breakers can be booked,” he said.
The civic rule is very clear that contractors shall undertake to dispose of the remains of building and demolition in the specified places for that, and shall care about the cleanliness of the temporary workers’ accommodations and implement the health rules decided.
A visit to various construction sites in and around the capital reveals blatant violations of the law that is promulgated to safeguard the public health. Debris and construction materials are piled up, highlighting the negligent attitude of builders and building owners.
In some cases, dirty water mixed with sand and other material are found to be a breeding ground for pests and rodents.
SAMUEL KUTTY
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