After the demolition of one of the 12 buildings in the self-governing neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud (Şêxmeqsûd) and Ashrafiyah (Eşrefiye) in Aleppo, which were about to collapse, threatening the lives of residents, the People's Municipality in both neighbourhoods demolished another building on April 3.

The demolition work began after Damascus government checkpoints allowed only one demolition vehicle to enter both neighbourhoods.

Necessary equipment for the demolition of buildings is not available in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighbourhoods, which blocks the work of municipalities. Since the checkpoints of the Damascus government are located around the two neighbourhoods, the necessary equipment is not allowed to enter.

Ednan Jaro, Executive Member of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah Neighbourhoods People's Municipality Professional Committee, spoke to ANHA and stated that they had decided to demolish 12 buildings that pose a threat as soon as possible.

Jaro said that this decision was prevented as the Damascus government did not allow the passage of equipment and fuel in connection with the embargo imposed on both neighbourhoods.

Despite the lack of necessary equipment, 10 workers assigned by the committee of the People's Municipality of both neighbourhoods are continuing the demolition work. Workers call for necessary equipment to be allowed access to the area in order to remove the danger posed by these buildings.

Calling attention to other obstacles, Jaro continued: “The tools needed to remove the debris are still not available. We have some small tools, but they are not enough.”

Jaro urged citizens in both neighbourhoods to inform officials if they noticed any cracks in their houses.

According to the data released by the Professional Committee, nearly 400 buildings were damaged in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighbourhoods by the 6 February earthquake that devastated North Kurdistan-Turkey and some parts of Syria. Moreover, 12 buildings are about to collapse.