Abu Dhabi government employees told to live in the emirate to ease congestion
All local government employees in Abu Dhabi have been told that they must live in the emirate.
National news agency WAM reported that The Secretariat General of the Executive Council in Abu Dhabi has issued the decision.
It said all employees have a one-year grace period to make the move.
-
Government officials believe the decision will cut congestion
The report added: “The move comes within keenness of the Government of Abu Dhabi to ensure safety of its employees and achieve social stability for them and their families.
"The decision follows in-depth studies on the effects of the distance between place of residence and workplace on employees.
“Driving for a long distance in variable weather conditions was cited among others.”
According to Department of Transport figures, nearly 11,000 vehicles drive into Abu Dhabi every day between 6am and 7am, carrying up to 19,564 people.
The WAM report added: “The decision may contribute to production efficiency as far distance from workplace affects employees because of the exhaustion caused by long driving.”
Last week, 7DAYSinAbuDhabi.com revealed a UAE University report found that five per cent of all serious UAE car accidents are caused by people nodding off at the wheel.
It also found that 80 per cent of those drivers were doing speeds in excess of 100kph when they crashed.
What do you think of the decision? Comment below or email letters@7days.ae
Comments
by blag333
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 3:45PM
“Obviously a move prompted by Abu Dhabi landlords and their insatiable greed.”
by MRL
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 1:27PM
“It all sounds good in theory. Yes, it will save the Abu Dhabi Government an estimated Dh1.5 billion and Dh2 billion in annual housing allowances; however other parts of the Emirates may suffer due to this new initiative by Council.
Most of the articles state that it will save the government money, it will create revenue for Abu Dhabi Businesses, Landlords, and it will cut down on road accidents and fatalities. It sure would be interesting to know the number of employees working in the public sector and reside outside the capital; as it was not mentioned any in of the articles. This new initiative might make the roads a little safer, but there is not guarantee. It's only a deterrent. You still have a large part of the private sector that commutes to the capital too. Many of us choose to live in other parts of the Emirates due to necessity; economic and social reasons.
Suggestions:
Why not reduce the housing allowance? Make the housing allowance based rental rates across the Emirates. There should be a capitation limit on allowances. If you are single and living at home with your parents, should you be getting a housing allowance?
Why not Regulate Rental Properties in Abu Dhabi based on sq. ft. and location. This will ensure transparency across the board and act as deterrent for price gorging.
Create (H.O.V.) High Vehicle Occupancy lane to promote carpooling? This will increase revenue for all parts of the Emirates. (Pay to use it) and/or EXPRESS Passenger TRAIN
MRL”
by NewCrunch
Monday, September 17 2012, 9:05PM
“I don't think it was very well thought (or may be it was if there are OTHER motives for this).”
by johnboner80
Monday, September 17 2012, 3:07PM
“call me a sceptic but it would seem that well connected landlords are having trouble renting their properties and not getting enough income.”
by djoanes1
Sunday, September 16 2012, 4:49PM
“This is a good idea in principle if the aim is to reduce congestion on the roads and ensure people are not driving crazy distances to and from work every day. However, they need to specify distance from workplace instead of Abu Dhabi emirate. Abu Dhabi is enormous - some parts are 4 hours drive or more from the city. Parts of Dubai are closer to Abu Dhabi city. If they are serious about reducing commuting distance, they should specify a distance of, say, 100 km from the office or something of that order. This is a good idea in principle but it needs to have a bit more thought before being implemented.”
by Chocs01
Sunday, September 16 2012, 2:17PM
“So what about people with children in school in other Emirates? Are they supposed to just change schools? What about families where one person works in Abu Dhabi and the other in Dubai? Why should people be forced to live somewhere they don't want to? So you'd rather have people living closer - yet miserable. Madness and ill thought out, as per usual.”
by readytoparty
Sunday, September 16 2012, 1:35PM
“Madness”