Sharjah traders face eviction from 50-yr-old building

Sharjah Municipality has sent demolition notice to a nearly fifty-year-old building near Rolla Square which houses about thirty shops and trading outlets.

The trade licence and tenancy contracts of shops located in the buildings have not been renewed, forcing traders to find alternative locations to do business or to close shops.

“Stock Clearance” sales notices are placed by shop owners in the old Souq building, half a century old building, located close to the Rollah Mall as traders are desperately clearing their stock and running around to find alternative locations.

Traders and their employees who have been doing brisk business from their shops in the building are a worried about the demolition plan, which was earlier postponed by the municipality on the request of traders. But trader now fear that it’ll be implemented this time.

“This could be one of the oldest buildings in Sharjah and there are thirty shops dealing in readymade garments, textiles, watches, general trading, electronics, mobile phones, electrical items and a cafeteria. Sharjah Municipality notice, based on the owner’s request, was served on April 8, and we’re given two-month notice to vacate the building,” said one of the affected traders.

Another old building near the subway was demolished a month ago, leaving the traders and their employees in difficult situation. Same fate is awaiting these small traders who are doing business from these old buildings in Sharjah.

Nearly 100 workers and small traders will be affected due to the demolition of these half a century-old building

The old souq located close to the Rollah Mall is one of the several old buildings in the area. A few months ago, the Al Ghubaiba Market in the adjacent area caught fire, destroying stock of many traders. The old building did not have proper insurance and traders have just resumed business there.

Riyas, one of the affected traders, said Sharjah Municipality had earlier issued a similar notice, but the demolition was postponed, when the employees and traders made a special request. Based on humanitarian consideration, the demolition plan was postponed, but this time, the Municipality will implement the plan. “We have no time left and our stock cannot be sold through normal business. So many traders are trying to clear their stock through special promotions and discounts,” he added.

According to Sharjah Municipality sources, the old buildings pending demolition pose numerous dangers to residents including fire hazards. The Al Ghubaba Market fire is the latest incident that highlighted the risk involved. Similarly, very old buildings, some not inhabited are used for illegal activities and crimes.

Illicit liquor dealers stock their stuff in such buildings, located away from public attention. “The trade license and tenancy contracts of such old buildings are not renewed," the Municipality source said.