Dubai to spend Dh1.730b on irrigation, drainage projects

The projects are part of the main phase of the general planning of the drainage and irrigation system in the emirate, which is aimed at meeting the ever growing demands of Dubai till 2020, as well as to increase the levels of hygiene in accordance with the it's environmental standards.

Al Fuqaei said that the nine drainage and irrigation projects under design phase in different parts of the emirate are significant since these will meet the emirate's drainage and irrigation requirements even as they increase with the rapid economic expansion and development taking place in Dubai.

Of the nine projects, one of the most important is the Jebel Ali Sewerage Treatment Plant project, which once complete, will increase the total waste water treatment capacity to 350,000 cubic metres. This capacity is equal to the water requirements of a population of two million in 2010. A triple expansion of the plant is possible and is likely as and when the requirements arise in the future. The first phase of the project, the design for which would be ready by mid-2005, is Dh1 billion, and it is expected to be ready in 30 months.

Al Fuqaei said other projects include the Pumping station S and X1 worth Dhs200 million. The works of the project would be carried out parallel to those of the proposed treatment plant at Jebel Ali, and will be ready in 24 months. The design phase of the project would be completed by mid-2005.

Also under design phase is the Mirdif Drainage and Irrigation project. Costing Dh110 million it covers an area of 1,000 hectares, and is expected to be complete in 24 months. Al Fuqaei said that the design phase for the project would be finished by mid of this year.

The upcoming projects also include the construction of the Irrigation main from the treatment plant at Jebel Ali at a total cost of Dh100 million. The design phase is expected to be ready within the next few months, while the total works would be completed in two year. The project is aimed at ensuring supply of irrigation water for development projects in the relevant areas.

As part of the development of the network, a drainage system for the labour camps in the Al Quoz area is also on the anvil. The project, estimated to cost Dh45 million, holds environmental significance. The importance of the project, Al Fuqaei said, lies in the prevention of soil pollution and improvement of general conditions of environment that it will bring about in the emirate. The project, the design phase for which will be complete by mid of this year, will serve an area of 250 hectares, and is expected to be ready in two years' time.

The pumping station (H1) and Rising Main project, put at a total cost of Dh100 million will increase the usage of treated water in irrigation purposes. The project's design phase will be finished in the next few months, while the works would be completed in 24 months.

A sewerage and drainage project at Al Quoz (4) is also under design phase. The Dh45 million project is expected to serve an area of 224 hectares, and will be complete within 24 months. The design phase would be complete by October later year.

Al Fuqaei said a minor works project to connect new properties to the drainage system in the emirate is also being designed.