The Fatwa and Legislation Department has recently given its approval for the Kuwait Municipality to collect fees for car shades. This decision was made in response to a request from the Municipality, which argued that it had the right to impose fees following a decision by the Municipal Council in May of last year. The Council had approved a list of regulations for awnings, including a fee of half a dinar for every meter of erected awnings. This fee is collected once in private housing areas, government agencies, private agencies, and public areas, as well as in investment, industrial, and agricultural housing. Additionally, a yearly fee of 5 dinars per square meter is imposed outside the boundaries of the property for commercial use. These details were reported by Al-Anba daily.
The “Fatwa” opinion also clarified that Law 79/1995 prohibits the increase of fees, unless done so through a law. However, this prohibition does not apply to new fees that are being imposed for the first time. According to the opinion, the municipal council has the authority, in accordance with Municipal Law 33/2016, to impose fees for car parking shades as an amendment to previous fees.
This decision by the Fatwa and Legislation Department has significant implications for car owners in Kuwait. The collection of fees for car shades is a means for the Municipality to regulate the use of awnings and ensure compliance with the approved regulations. By imposing these fees, the Municipality aims to maintain order and control over the installation and maintenance of car shades across the country.
It is important to note that the decision to collect fees for car shades is not unprecedented. Many countries and municipalities around the world have similar regulations in place to manage the use of awnings and car shades. These regulations serve various purposes, such as ensuring public safety, maintaining aesthetic standards, and generating revenue for the local government.
In Kuwait, the decision to impose fees for car shades aligns with the broader efforts to enhance urban planning and development. By implementing regulations and collecting fees, the Municipality can better manage the use of car shades in both residential and commercial areas. This helps in maintaining the overall appearance of the city and ensuring that structures are built in accordance with the approved guidelines.
While the decision to collect fees may be seen as an additional financial burden for car owners, it is important to understand the rationale behind it. The fees collected will contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of public spaces, ensuring that these areas remain clean, safe, and well-maintained. Additionally, the fees help to deter the unauthorized construction of car shades, which can negatively impact the urban landscape and potentially cause safety hazards.
It is worth noting that the decision by the Fatwa and Legislation Department also highlights the importance of adhering to the legal framework governing municipal affairs in Kuwait. The clarification provided in the “Fatwa” opinion emphasizes that any increase in fees must be done through a proper legislative process. This ensures transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, and prevents any arbitrary changes to the fee structure.
In conclusion, the approval given by the Fatwa and Legislation Department for the Kuwait Municipality to collect fees for car shades is a significant step towards regulating the use of awnings in the country. While the decision may be met with mixed reactions from car owners, it is important to recognize the benefits it brings in terms of urban planning, public safety, and revenue generation. By adhering to the approved regulations and paying the necessary fees, residents and businesses can contribute to the overall development and maintenance of Kuwait’s urban landscape.
Source: TimesKuwait
