Deira families fret over overcrowding and ruckus

To manage the crowd, the building installed an entry system where each flat is issued only three access cards. “So when we have guests, they have to wait outside the main entrance until someone exits and opens the door from inside. It’s embarrassing,” said Azeem.

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The worst part, residents say, is the long wait for elevators. “Some times it takes 10 to 15 minutes to get the lift,” said Azeem. “It stops at every floor. The building wasn’t designed for this many people.”

Despite the several issues, the family continued to stay because of the emotional connection and the convenience of the locality. “We cannot imagine living any where else. Everything we need is nearby, and we have been here too long to start over.”

A few residents of another build ing in Deira said that overcrowding in their building has led to frequent arguments, longer wait times for the lift, and growing sanitation problems.