New bridges, drainage network to avoid rain hassle in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah - RAK department of public works and services has built three new small bridges on the rainwater currents close to the deep valleys and mountainous areas.

Whereas the mercury is significantly down, heavy showers are expected here in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah as was the case in the last years. 
The RAK department of public works and services, all set for the rains, has built three new small bridges on the rainwater currents close to the deep valleys and mountainous areas here. 
The Halcor international company has been assigned to find the most suitable solutions to the seasonal showers which always have a bad impact on the residents here, particularly in the southern areas of the emirates. 
Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi, director general of the department, said they have built three Abbarat or small bridges for giving way to flowing rainwater at the southern areas. 
"The new bridges built at the Al Manei, Habhab, and Al Heil areas have been well chosen to protect the people against the floods in this winter season." 
However, new Abbarat are planned at some other parts of the emirate, he stated. "The Abbara built at the Sukhaibar district in Al Manei area consists of a network of three long pipes, 250m each and 50cm in diameter." 

Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi
The three tubes start at the regular rainwater ponds and low-level area where most of the water accumulates away from the residents' houses, Al Hammadi explained. "The water will be added to the underwater reservoir, and curb the problem of the road cuts." 
The southern areas are known for their scenic views which attract a big number of residents and tourists, particularly in winter to enjoy the fine weather and awesome views as well, he underlined. 
"The department has also built another Abbara at Habhab district in the Khat area with a maximum capacity to collect up to 24m of rainwater per second." 
The third Abbara has been built at the Al Heil area with a maximum capacity to collect 12m of rainwater per second, Al Hammadi elaborated. "This particular bridge will protect the farms and houses of the people at the low-level area there. It will also save more water for farming and irrigation purposes." 
The department has, meanwhile, started purifying all the rainwater currents of the valleys across the emirate, to clear the way for the showers, and avoid any accumulation or blockage. 
"More attention has been given to the hotspots in the Al Dheit and Khuzam areas, as these particular areas include a big number of business and residential properties."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah