A comprehensive development plan, which includes significant upgrades to security, public facilities and services, and a new sewage treatment facility has been approved by the Amwaj Central Owners’ Association general assembly.
The meeting ratified the audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2024 and approved the amended and proposed budget for 2025, which reflects a 33 per cent reduction compared to the previous year.
It was approved at the fifth annual ordinary meeting at The Art Hotel and Resort in Amwaj Islands on May 1.
Association board of directors chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom claimed that the meeting was characterised by an atmosphere of openness, transparency and constructive dialogue.
“We are gathering to review what we have accomplished together over the past year and to chart our next steps towards a more sustainable future,” he said during the opening address.
“The association is moving forward with a clear vision centred on financial transparency and delivering the highest possible quality of service.
“It has grown beyond its traditional role of managing daily operations and has become a comprehensive institution focused on enhancing quality of life through developmental initiatives, infrastructure upgrades and environmental preservation.
“The coming phase will witness the launch of more unique projects aimed at further enhancing the quality of life in Amwaj Islands and increasing the value of real estate investments.”
Some homeowner association members, however, are not convinced by the recent meeting, with some of them claiming that they did not receive the meeting agenda, while others claimed they did not even receive an invitation to the meeting.
Amwaj Plaza 1 Homeowners Association acting chairperson Hanya Sulaiman told the GDN that there have been lingering concerns for years that are not being addressed.
“It feels like their priority is to just take money out of our pockets,” she said.
“These meetings do not actually solve problems, they just pretend to care. They make it look like they are trying to solve our issues, but the reality is that very little progress has actually been made.
“They have been increasing fees, including those on seaside houses for use of the water, but that makes no sense because the sea belongs to the kingdom. It is not owned by an individual.
“Additionally, many people did not even know about the meeting because the banners advertising it were in the middle of the island rather than somewhere people can actually see.
“It felt like they did not want people to come because they did not want the headache of dealing with legitimate concerns.”
Ms Sulaiman also encouraged all home association owners to attend future meetings and general assemblies in order to make their voices heard loud and clear.
“Your voice counts, and so does your vote,” she said.
“At the very least, send a proxy in your stead if you cannot make it for one reason or another.
“We, the homeowners’ association, will send you the necessary documentation around two weeks before.
“Come out to the meeting, make your opinions heard, and vote, vote, vote.”
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