DOHA: All the municipalities in the country have declared a “state of emergency” ahead of Ramadan and stopped all their inspectors from taking vacation during the month, officials said yesterday.
Addressing an event titled “an open meeting with officials”, the heads of six municipalities — Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakra, Al Khor, Al Shamal and Al Daain — said that they have intensified inspections ahead of Ramadan at all eateries, food outlets, shopping centres, markets, butcheries, slaughterhouses, barber shops, beauty salons, among other facilities.
Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani himself has been supervising the procedures for carrying out a unified and comprehensive inspection campaign during Ramadan.
Prior to the holy month, eateries and food outlets apply for temporary licences for certain types of food like Al Kataif, Al Kanafa and Al Mashafi (barbeque) that are popular during Ramadan. The licences are issued as per specific conditions. The stalls and kiosks selling such food should not be set up in a way obstructing traffic and should use suitable tools and equipment.
The inspection campaigns also focus on places where mass Iftar parties are conducted, restaurants serving Iftar meals and vehicles transporting food.
Inspectors work in two shifts. Morning inspections will be conducted at shopping centres, central market and other markets. In the evening, inspectors will visit the central fruit and vegetable market and monitor the daily auctions that will take place after Taraweeh prayers.
The inspectors also coordinate with Consumer Protection Department to detect violations of the consumer protection law.
The officials said a major challenge facing the inspectors is the varying food culture of restaurant workers. Another problem is that many people working with eateries are being shifted from one place to another within a very short time.
The officials appreciated the cooperation of shopping centers with the inspections and product recalls. For instance, all leading outlets stopped selling Tang, a popular drink, within an hour after the inspectors asked them to do so as a precautionary measure.
The ministry has urged all customers to keep away from rumours and report to the authorities if they come across any violations of the law.
The Peninsula
