Sharjah cracks down on industrial waste

Sharjah - Errant companies will now be obliged to clean up the waste at their expense after paying fines.

The Sharjah Municipality launched a crackdown on illegal dumping of solid and chemical waste in the desert and open areas of the emirate.
Mohammed Al Kabbi, Head of Inspection at Sharjah Municipality, said factory waste, such as chemicals, and construction rubble, furniture and scrap metal, have been dumped in industrial areas and in open areas of the desert. This illegal dumping has the potential of having a negative effect on the environment and ground water, as well as distorting the beauty of the emirate.
Sharjah Municipality has imposed a hefty fine on people and companies found flouting such rules. Errant companies will now be obliged to clean up the waste at their expense after paying fines. If they are still found to be dumping waste, the violation will be doubled and the company will face closure.
Factories and companies must follow proper regulations and dispose of waste in a designated location managed by Bee'ah for recycling, he added. Construction companies are required to transport their materials to the construction recycling plant managed by Bee'ah.
Municipality inspectors work around the clock, seven days a week to detect these kinds of violations.
They are equipped with advanced tools and are well trained to crack down on illegal activities, he added.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah