Municipalities: Satellite monitoring to control the fencing of construction sites and prevent the use of fabrics
In a move aimed at enhancing urban planning compliance and eliminating visual pollution, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing reiterated its strict warnings to all project owners and contractors regarding the necessity of adhering to the technical requirements for fencing construction sites. The Ministry announced the launch of an advanced monitoring phase that relies primarily on satellite-based surveillance technologies, in conjunction with intensive field inspections, under the slogan "Any violation will not be tolerated.".
Context of the initiative and its strategic dimensions
These decisive measures come within the framework of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to improve the urban landscape, a key pillar of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030. The phenomenon of open or haphazardly fenced construction sites is a major contributor to visual and environmental pollution within cities. Historically, monitoring relied entirely on field inspectors, which could leave some gaps. However, the introduction of satellite technology represents a qualitative leap, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and covering all urban areas with high accuracy. This reflects the government's commitment to automating monitoring procedures and enhancing transparency.
Technology in the service of municipal compliance
The Municipal Compliance Program revealed that the new monitoring system uses satellite imagery to analyze construction sites and detect violations related to lack of fencing or the use of substandard materials. This technology completely eliminates attempts to evade regulations, as violations are automatically detected and documented, thus expediting the immediate application of legal measures against any negligence that compromises public safety or detracts from the overall appearance of residential and commercial areas.
Strict technical requirements: Goodbye to the "fabric screen"
The ministry clarified that the new technical regulations do not allow for personal interpretations, prohibiting the use of burlap sacks or dilapidated concrete barriers as alternatives to standard fencing. Instead, the regulations mandate the use of corrugated aluminum (hangar) fencing in a uniform white color, with a minimum height of two meters. These precise specifications aim to standardize the visual identity of construction sites, isolate construction hazards from passersby, and provide safe and organized spaces for storing building materials within property boundaries.
Protecting infrastructure and the environment
The regulations covered not only the fence's design but also its installation method. They emphasized the necessity of securing the posts with aluminum bases or iron tubes using removable bolts, and explicitly prohibited digging up sidewalks, pouring concrete on them, or using stones for reinforcement, all to protect public infrastructure. The requirements also included a complete ban on cutting down trees surrounding the site and mandated the placement of informational signs displaying project details, permits, and contractor information to ensure easy communication in emergencies. The regulations stipulated that the fence could only be removed after the project's full completion and the issuance of an occupancy certificate.
