Municipality removing illegal billboards

The Directorate General of Muscat Municipality in Seeb is continuing to remove illegal billboards from different roads, neighbourhoods and public places.

This is in accordance with the Local Ordinance No 93/25 regarding installation of billboards for advertisements.

The municipality is keen to implement regulations to maintain the aesthetic appearance of public facilities, stated a press release.

Some of the violations include, putting up of random billboards to promote a particular commodity or service, suspending them on street lights or traffic signals or on buildings and storefronts or on the main sidewalks and residential neighbourhoods. Such activities distort the general appearance of the place and are in violation of the law.

Article 5 of the Local Ordinance No 93/25 states that advertisements can be displayed only after obtaining a licence from the municipality. A licence is issued only after the civic body checks the safety aspects in relation to the advertisements set up and ensuring that the fee is paid.
 

Article 7 of the ordinance also prevents direct advertising in ‘mosques and places of worship, ancient buildings, graveyards or parts of buildings in which the state undertakes public services’.

Article 8 of order stipulates that the advertisement site must not cause obstruction to the pedestrians or traffic or interfere with the organisational character of the city or neighbourhood.

Article 124 of Local Order No 23/92 concerning the organisation of buildings in Muscat indicates that it is not permitted to instal any illuminated advertising in streets or on walls, without approval.