Plan to speed up issuance of building licences

DOHA: Ministry of Municipality and Environment has linked its various departments and has taken some other measures to speed up the issuance of building licences.

The move came following complaints from businessmen about the delay in the issuance of building licences by the municipalities and Civil Defence at a meeting with Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani held on October 4, 2016, said a press release.

The systems of various departments have been linked to ensure the accuracy and speed of data transfer. A performance evaluation index for building licensing has been launched to detect errors and find solutions. Several supporting systems have been added to the building licencing system. A booklet on the terms and conditions required for building licences has been also prepared, said the Ministry.

The municipalities received a total of 459 requests and issued 290 building licences last month. The highest number of applications (134) were made at Doha Municipality. And the highest number of licences (101) were issued by Al Rayan Municipality, followed by Doha Municipality (64) licences. Al Wakra Municipality and Al Daaen Municipality issued 42 and 34 building licences respectively. Al Khor and Al Zakhira Municipality issued 17 and Al Shamal Municipality only six.

The municipalities also received 112 requests last month for adding constructions to the existing buildings.