(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Many businesses and shops in Old Ghanim in Doha are being vacated and might soon be razed to make way for the integrated railway project.
At least 50 shops and offices which are over 20 years old on Ras Abu Aboud Street between Sword Signal and Dar Al Kuthub Roundabout are being closed, along with some 15 shops on Al Asmakh Street between Sword Signal and Jaidah Tower. They include the well-known New World Centre and Souq Al Jaber.
They have been served eviction notices by the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning.
Most occupants have moved to alternative commercial spaces, but some say they will wait for a few more days though electricity and water supplies have been disconnected.
Most have moved to Najma, Mansoura and others to Barwa Avenue and other commercial areas. Some shopkeepers said alternative commercial spaces are hard to find at affordable rent.
The ministry served notice on October 21, saying the property is acquired for public benefits and the Land Acquiring Department Services will complete the required procedures within two weeks.
It also says electricity and water supplies will be disconnected to start demolition of properties to use the land for an 'indented project.'
Utility supplies were disconnected between Tuesday and Thursday, said shopkeepers.
Restaurants, pharmacies, travel agencies, construction suppliers and laundries are among others that have left Old Ghanim.
Many shops and offices have put notices for customers to know about their new locations.
A few were open yesterday, making arrangements to move to new premises.
"I have been here for nearly 20 years and now pay a rent of QR20,000. When I move to a new place, I will have to enter a new agreement and the rent will be at least QR5,000 more," said a shopkeeper. "I will move to a new shop in Mansoura soon," he said.
Another shopkeeper said, "We will be moving to a new place in Najma. Rent is definitely higher than that here, but we have no option." Some shopkeepers have moved to Old Ghanim in the past three years. "We opened the shop here two-and-a-half years ago, it's a centre place for business, now we have to move again," said a tailor."
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