Work is underway on a pioneering project in Sharjah that targets buildings prone to fires. The initiative aims to improve fire safety by replacing the facades of 40 buildings with fire-resistant cladding. Currently, five buildings in Sharjah have already undergone refurbishment, with fire-resistant cladding installed to enhance safety. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, director of technical services at the Sharjah Municipality, stated that efforts are ongoing to continue this significant replacement project across the emirate.
Announced last year by the Ruler of Sharjah, this Dh100 million project is notable for being the first of its kind where the government covers the entire cost to upgrade existing buildings to meet fire safety standards. This ambitious project, in its initial phase, focuses on 40 buildings that are deemed to have facades prone to fire.
The project’s primary goal is to protect tenants from the risk of fires by upgrading building facades. The replacement process involves removing existing aluminum panels and installing fire-resistant materials. Khalifa Al Suwaidi emphasized this during his address on the Direct Line program, highlighting the project’s importance in safeguarding residents.
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By targeting buildings most at risk, the initiative ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed, thereby providing maximum benefit.
In the first phase, the project’s scope includes the detailed assessment of 40 buildings, identifying those with the highest risk of fire due to their existing cladding materials. Once identified, these buildings undergo a comprehensive process where the old, potentially hazardous aluminum panels are meticulously removed. The new claddings are selected based on stringent fire safety standards, ensuring that they provide effective protection against potential fire hazards.
The fire-safe building project in Sharjah is a groundbreaking initiative that reflects the emirate’s commitment to protecting its residents and enhancing urban safety.
