Kuwait, Sep 18(Kuwait Times) After a long hiatus , the committee in charge of removing encroachments on state property will begin in demolishing illegal structures in residential areas after issuing hundreds of warning letters to offenders. The task forces have already begun work in Bayan and Mishref.

Many reasons contributed to this break, "We were waiting to change the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) decree that was issued in 2007 on the limits placed on growing garden plants, which was
to maintain a three meter spacing between each tree or hedge. However, in response to public outcry and parliamentary pressures, a new decree was passed in 2010," Col Dhafer Al-Sayegh, PR and Media Coordinator at the committee told the Kuwait Times.

The new regulation stipulates that a spacing of gardens be maintained at one meter from the street, and a meter and a half between neighboring homes. Unfortunately, people have been flouting the rules. We have noticed that many homes in Dahiya, south Surra and other areas grow plants that that are two to four meter high. These should be trimmed," he added.

Overgrown trees and plants pose a major visibility problem, causing many car accidents, especially if home is located on the corner. Also the trees should not block the passageway between houses that lead to co-operative societies, mosques, grocery stores and others. These passageways were paved so that ambulances and other vehicles can ply during cases of emergency," he pointed out.

The task force has also halted work progress to conduct maintenance work on vehicles, "In the hot weather, our vehicles are heated quickly. Also, it was vacation time when people traveled and the onset of the holy month of Ramadan. We allowed some time to the Municipality to reorganize teams in accordance with six governorates. Some violations are part of his responsibility. After this long period, we found that people have been issuing violations again. Some even commit repeated violations," Al-Sayegh
added.

Offenses are often repeated, "The garden in front of every house belongs to state property. So it should be used in a proper way, only for planting purposes. We are not against the greenery. Many violations were made to gardens such as building rooms, which is illegal," he added.

Many people from different residential areas complain that their neighbors have blocked the passageways. Some claim they have to walk long distances just to be able to go to pray at the mosque," he explained.

The committee is working on passing a law that penalizes violators, "If the violator fails to remove the violation, our teams will demolish it. He will have to pay a fine a fine," highlighted Al-Sayegh.

According to Al-Sayegh, there were about 16,000 illegally constructed diwaniyas in all six governorates. "The notice period was one month, during which we held a campaign about these violations. At least 80 percent were removed from the diwaniyas. This highlights people's high sense of responsibility," he added.

During the past few months, old structures in residential areas were razed down, "We removed illegal structures in the form of factories, stables, pens, and others. We also held awareness campaigns in schools. Children who break or damage things in school will be punished. Otherwise when they grownup they will have a tendency to flout laws. Furthermore, a park with playgrounds in Mina Abdullah is under construction. This was originally a landfill in which liquid waste from factories were dumped," Al-Sayegh concluded.