Dubai: While Dubai communities continue to grow, residents are continuously hoping to see their areas develop and improve with newer facilities, better security and accessible management.
Gulf News followed up with residents from several communities about issues they faced in their areas earlier this year, and what they hope to see improved in 2018.
Living Legends
Going back to August of this year, the Living Legends community made headlines with residents complaining of a lack of water supply in around 170 villas in phase three of the community.
The water issue was raised along with others regarding greenery in the area, location of a mosque, and inconvenient entrance to the community.
A resident of Living Legends, who asked to stay anonymous, said he was happy to see that the water issue has been resolved, after developer Tanmiyat and Dubai and Electricty Authority (Dewa) connected the water supply lines to the villas.
“We are grateful the water supply has been connected to the affected villas. Signs have also been put up showing that a new contractor has come on board to complete the apartment blocks, and construction on the school has started,” said the resident.
He pointed out that while progress remains slow, many residents hope to see a few more improvements next year. “We want to see the greenery issue in the community resolved, and that requires resolving the issue of irrigation water connections. We also would like to see the mosque location moved to another area within the community, as it was not included in the master plan and affects many residents. And we would like to see the main entrance to the community completed and the lighting on the streets improved,” he said.
Al Warsan community
Meanwhile, residents in Al Warsan community in Dubai continue to suffer from a lack of internet connection in the area. Residents told Gulf News that they have approached authorities like developer Nakheel, telecommunication providers, Real Estate Regulatory Agency, Telecommunication Regulatory Authority, and even the Ruler’s office for help. “There has been no progress at all with the internet issue in the community. It is very difficult to live without a connection at this time and age, and we residents have no clarity on when this issue could be resolved,” said Samson Sam.
He further said barriers were installed in the community over two weeks ago, resolving the security issues many residents had raised in the past. “For 2018, we would all want to see the internet issue resolved first, as it is affecting everyone. I would also like to see the health club completed as construction has already started,” added Sam.
Remraam community
Just the same, residents in the Remram community in Dubai have also referred to progress in the area as “slow”.
Resident Mustafa Raafat from Egypt told Gulf News that while 2017 saw developments in resolving parking woes in the community, the need for a mosque was not addressed.
“We are still praying in a small kiosk referred to as the mosque. We have raised this issue many times, but there has been no progress at all. However, they have increased the parking spots for residents outside the buildings, and are still working on completing the main entrance of the community,” he said.
Raafat pointed out the need for more security in the area, as residents are unable to report any accidents or incidences that occur in the community.
“They have announced that CCTVs will be installed, but nothing has happened yet. We would like to see more security in the area and at the gates,” he said.
Green community
Meanwhile, residents living in apartments in the Green community complained of rat infestation in June, after more than 20 dead rats were found in false ceilings.
Residents of Garden West Block D had been grappling with the issue for months during which they were forced to live with rat droppings, foul smell, and dead rats falling from their false ceilings.
A resident, C.M, confirmed the issue was resolved, and explained that gaps in the false ceilings were filled by a maintenance team. Residents have also expressed their joy on social media about the recent solution to the mosquito issue they had been facing in the community, after teams were sent to fog public areas.
Meadows community
However, the latest headline among Dubai communities in 2017 was involving Meadows community celebrity cat, Ginger Bob. The furry friend of many residents in the community, which has lived at the community’s town centre, was reportedly looking for a permanent home. Concerns were raised by residents after news about knocking down and rebuilding the town centre spread across the community. “Currently Bob is very happy at a foster home with a lovely lady. He has settled in very nicely and seems quite happy being indoors and loved. We have had a couple of offers and we have spoken with them and asked to give us time till after Christmas and holidays to see which home will be the best fit,” said Shelagh Estment, one of the creators of cat’s fan page on Facebook.
Living Legends
- Developer: Tanmiyat
- Location: Off Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road
- Property units: Three phases with over 400 villas in total
Al Warsan
- Developer: Nakheel
- Location: Near International City
- Property units: 930 villas
Remraam
- Developer: Dubai Properties
- Location: Dubai Land
- Property units: 1-, 2-, and 2-bedroom apartments
Green community
- Developer: Union Properties and Properties Investment, joint developers of the community
- Location: In Dubai Investments Park
- Property units: Apartment blocks and villas
