Residents of Hamad Town’s Block 1209 have raised the alarm over what they describe as the growing misuse of unbuilt residential plots, with some properties allegedly being transformed into makeshift workshops and warehouses.
Northern Municipal Council member and area councillor Abdulla Al Qobaisi said he had received numerous complaints from residents concerned about the impact of these activities on their neighbourhood and the safety of families living there.
He said he had moved immediately to raise the issue with the relevant authorities, stressing that residential neighbourhoods should not become commercial or industrial areas.
“We have received a number of complaints from residents who are suffering because some unbuilt residential plots are being used as workshops and random storage facilities,” Mr Al Qobaisi said.
“The situation is affecting the appearance of Hamad Town and, more importantly, creating constant disturbance and noise for families.”
Mr Al Qobaisi said one of the most pressing concerns was the movement of large trucks, heavy machinery and commercial vehicles through the residential streets to load and unload goods and equipment.
“These roads and internal streets were not designed to accommodate the repeated movement of heavy trucks,” he said. “Beyond damaging the road infrastructure, such activity creates a genuine safety concern, particularly for children, pedestrians and residents moving around the neighbourhood.”
He warned that the problem could become more serious if such activities were allowed to continue unchecked.
The councillor also highlighted potential environmental and fire-safety risks, particularly where potentially hazardous materials are stored without proper controls.
“Some of these workshops and storage areas may contain flammable objects,” he said. “We cannot wait until an incident occurs before action is taken.”
According to Mr Al Qobaisi, residents have also complained about dust, unpleasant odours, accumulated waste and the spread of rodents and insects, all of which can affect public health and the quality of life in the neighbourhood.
Mr Al Qobaisi said he had begun co-ordination with the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, Industry and Commerce Ministry, Housing and Urban Planning Ministry, as well as the relevant environmental authorities.
He is calling for urgent inspection campaigns to identify properties being used in breach of their designated residential purpose and to determine whether workshops, storage facilities or commercial activities are operating without the necessary licences.
“We are seeking immediate field inspections and clear action against unlicensed workshops and warehouses,” he said.
“Where violations are confirmed, the necessary notices should be issued and the violations removed in accordance with the law and planning requirements.”
Mr Al Qobaisi stressed that enforcement should be accompanied by greater public awareness.
“Protecting our residential neighbourhoods is a shared responsibility,” he said. “Residents, businesses and authorities all have a role to play in ensuring that our communities remain safe, clean and properly planned.”
He added that Hamad Town was established as a residential community and that preserving its character required strict adherence to municipal, planning, commercial and environmental regulations.
“We welcome legitimate economic activity, but it must take place in locations designated for it and in a manner that does not come at the expense of residents’ safety, peace and quality of life,” Mr Al Qobaisi said.
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