Central Municipal Council (CMC) members yesterday stressed the need to allow Qataris to build three-storey houses in addition to penthouse.
Discussing the rising construction cost of new houses and its implications on the local community, the CMC members argued that in view of high land and construction cost, maximum use of land should be allowed to offset the prices.
CMC member Mohamed bin Saleh al-Khayarin said that authorities concerned should consider the difficulties faced by Qataris to cope with high cost, in particular when looking for houses for sons to marry and start a new home.
CMC member Saeed Mubarak al-Rashdi said that the issue has its various social implications, and allowing the additional floor will reflect positively on the local community, encouraging the young people to marry and start a family.
The suggestion was approved by all CMC members and referred to legal and services and utility committees to prepare a detailed report.
At the bi-weekly session the CMC also discussed the risks being faced by Abu Hamour residents from the fuel storage tanks in the area.
The council recommended that the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) should consider relocating the tanks to avoid any potential risks.
It also called upon Qatar Fuel Company (Woqod) to ensure that all safety and security measures are in place at the site.
The council asked the MMUP to study the possibility of enhancing cooperation between the private sector and municipalities to support the service projects in their respective areas, in particular, green areas, family parks, and public gardens.
The council also urged the MMUP and the Ministry of Environment to find a quick alternative for local farms, closed due to the new municipal planning designs.