Jul 03 2012 |
more articles from
|
End of an era in Dubai as Karama's Sheikh Rashid Colony evicted for demolition
By VM Sathish
Nostalgia and regret as families who have lived here for generations are evicted
Al Wasl Properties, which owns the project, said it will demolish the old building blocks.
"The buildings in Karama will be demolished.
The Sheikh Rashid Colony was built in 1978 by the then Ruler of Dubai, and offered decent, cheaper and affordable accommodation to expatriate residents.
While many residents are yet to find alternative accommodation, the deadline was postponed several times to give residents enough of notice.
"The rent here has been very reasonable and was originally fixed at D7,000.
"Many residents inherited 'tenancy rights' and handed over flats to close relatives.
"It has been the most affordable accommodation in Karama and Dubai.
"We have a nostalgic relationship with this location and the building, because for some families, at least three generations have lived here," said an Indian expatriate, leaving his home away from home.
The 7,000 rent gave rise to a nickname for the colony - '7,000 buildings'.
The groceries and shops in the adjacent areas are also feeling the pinch as their regular customers from the Sheikh Colony will cease to visit them.
Earlier the building block belonged to the Dubai Development Board and later its management was assigned to Al Wasl Properties.
"The number of customers coming to my saloon will sharply come down. Majority of my customers used to be residents of the Sheikh Colony. They belong to a multinational community, but Indians constituted the majority," said the owner of a barber's shop located adjacent to the Sheikh Colony.
"I know one family which lived there for 33 years now.
"Most have shifted to Al Qusais and Sharjah," said Navas, a resident of the colony.
"The colony was one of the oldest residential blocks in Dubai. The city's old face is changing rapidly for new buildings. I am said," said D'souza, another resident.
© Emirates 24|7 2012
© Copyright Zawya. All Rights Reserved.
Post Your Comment