Worshippers calling for renovations to a dilapidated mosque in Satwa may see an answer to their prayers after Eid.
They have complained that flaking plaster falls from the walls and ceiling.
The building has been regularly inspected and the decision to renovate it was made a year ago, said officials from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf.
A spokesman for the ministry said all its mosques in Dubai are inspected every week.
"Our officials visit the mosque, check the building and make a record of their observations, including the date of the visit. This particular mosque is very old. It has a window air conditioning system, and sometimes, due to the number of people who visit, it gets hot inside. This is why we have decided to completely renovate it.
"The plan and design are complete and we are deciding on tenders from construction companies. Temporary arrangements will be made for worshippers during the renovation."
Some of the worshippers live and work in the area and have been attending prayers there regularly for years.
Samir Syed, an administrator working in Satwa for the past four years, goes to the mosque daily.
"I have not seen any repair work being done for the four years I have been praying there. A year ago, I saw a portion of the plaster from the ceiling fall. Luckily, no one was hurt. It's a very old building and it is in a very poor condition.
"During Ramadan, more than 1,500 people attend prayers throughout the day. On normal days, at least 1,000 people gather here.
"During Ramadan, it is over crowded and very hot. The air conditioning systems are old and do not work properly. There is no proper ventilation."
Aseel, a son of the mosque's imam from Pakistan, has been living on the premises since he was born. He said the mosque has not been renovated during his lifetime. He is 35.
"There is no water inside because the municipality disconnected the supply and people have to use the water taps outside," he said.
"We have asked the ministry for assistance, and they said that maybe after Eid, they will do some maintenance. At any given time, almost 100 people worship here."
The imam could not be reached for comment.
Abdul Samad, an office assistant working nearby, said the condition of the mosque is quite bad.
"I have been going there every day for the past year. I think even the foundations are bad. Inside, the halls and walls look dirty. The tiles are coming off the floor. As far as I know, no maintenance was done last year. Even the washing area is not clean. The whole compound looks dirty. It doesn't look like it has ever been painted. It looks like an old fort. I don't think it is right that when Dubai has so many beautiful buildings and mosques, this one should look like this."
Mohammad Shaji, an Indian systems analyst who lives in Jebel Ali and prays at the mosque because he works in the area, said: "I have been praying there for the last three years. The plaster is coming off the walls, there are iron bars sticking out of the compound walls and there are cracks on the inside of the walls. Water from the air-conditioning drips outside the mosque and weeds and grass have grown on the cement floor there. It doesn't look nice at all."
Gulf News
