The issuance of the building permits is becoming easier to meet the increasing demand ensued due to the urban development the State of Qatar currently witnesses. In fact, "the number of applications for electricity and water building permits has increased during the current year compared with the last one." said, KAHRAMAA Customer Services Department Manager Eng. Ahmed Al-Mohannadi.

An Increase by 34% in 2008
"Total applications until July 2007 recorded 4040 while it hit 5441 till July 2008 at an increase of 34%. April 2008 witnessed a record number of 919 applications compared to 536 of the same period 2007 at an increase of 70%. During the last month only, 854 applications were finalized compared with the 703 of the same period of 2007" he added.

Qualitative Leap in Complex Services
It is worth mentioning that building permits complex receives and reviews building permit applications in coordination with representative of the concerned State authorities (KAHRAMAA, Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Public Work Authority, Civil Defense, or Qtel). Permits are issued within the prearranged deadlines.
On its part, KAHRAMAA is represented in building permits complex by electricity and water building permits office affiliated to Installation Section – Customer Services Department. The office is responsible for receiving the applications of Electricity and Water connections for the issuance of the building permit from Urban Planning and Development Authority (DC1). The great increase in permits number and the short period of issuance are due to KAHRAMAA development and upgrading plans aiming at providing a simplified service for both citizens and residents. Al-Mohannadi demonstrated that the office employs qualified executives, engineers, and technicians. They are trained to accurately deal with all applications in a short time using the electronic techniques.

A Qualified Team
It is worth mentioning that an electrical contractors unit affliated to KAHRAMAA office conducts a test for contracting companies' electrical engineers and foremen to get KAHRAMAA approval. Contracting companies are classified into A and B classes according to the number of the electrical engineers and technicians. Electricity and water inspectors pay visits to work sites to check internal installation and the Low voltage penal before reporting the completion of installation work and recommending service connection.

Building Permits Issuance Measures
For the issuance of a building permit, the required documents should be submitted to the complex to assign a reviewing date. It is worth noting that an inquiry service is available via SMS. Applicants can simply record their mobile number to avail themselves of this service. Work is on its way to provide the inquiry service via the internet site.