H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, chaired the Coordinating Council of Municipal Affairs’ first meeting for 2014 at Le Meridien Al Aqah in Fujairah.
Discussions centered on several key common topics such as the Abu Dhabi International Building Code, the UAE Ministry of Health’s initiative to promote healthy lifestyle, the 34th Plantation Week happening from March 2 to 6, 2014 under the theme ‘Together We Plant the UAE,’ the 8th GCC Municipal Work Conference and Exhibition, and the Arab Towns Day Celebration every March 15th of the year.
During the meeting, the attendees discussed the report completed by the Department of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi regarding the emirate’s existing building code. The code outlines the engineering regulations, technical conditions and standardized specifications for the designing, executing, inspecting and maintaining the structures. It ensures human safety and security as well as property and investment protection by avoiding potential risks and issues.
This year marks the fourth stage of the gradual implementation of Abu Dhabi International Building Code. The stage includes officially making the code as a unified engineering and regulatory reference for all designs and construction permits in the UAE. From 2010 to 2013, the code was gradually implemented and adopted. The fifth stage will comprise supervision and follow up, while the sixth phase will include continuous and consistent implementation of the code provisions.
The code was initially implemented beginning October 1, 2013. By October 1, 2015, all government buildings are mandated to comply with its provisions. The provisions are available on a website specifically designed to give information about existing regulations.
Additionally, the council took into serious consideration the proposal made by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) regarding the national building code, its objectives and advantages. The proposal touch on the possible integration of all building codes in the GCC states. The council recommended the formation of a national committee to review the existing codes in the UAE and prepare a unified building code based on best practices.
Further, it took a closer look at the Ministry of Health’s ongoing initiative to build a healthy society by encouraging individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle and help prevent the spread of diseases.
The council also discussed the latest updates regarding the 8th GCC Municipal Work Conference and Exhibition happening from April 8 to 9, 2014 under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. The conference will discuss a number of key points, including smart government, best practices and municipal projects, social partnership and client services.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Majed Al Mansouri, Chairman of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi; H.E. Ryiad Abdullah Al Ailan, Acting Director General Municipality of Sharjah City; H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Managing Director of Fujairah Municipality; H.E. Yahia Ibrahim Al Rabasah, Department Director of Municipality and Planning of Ajman; H.E. Monzer Bin Shokr, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. On behalf of the ministry, H.E. Sultan Abdullah Bin Alwan, Undersecretary for External Auditing, and Fatimah Hasan Ahli, Acting Department Manager of Municipality Affairs, attended the gathering.