Sharjah beaches to get a facelift

SHARJAH - In line with its plans to renovate some coastal areas, Sharjah Municipality has embarked on a major project to improve the civic services at Sharjah's beaches by installing umbrellas and constructing a comprehensive service centre for residents visiting these beaches, Ahmed Fikri, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality, said.

By Tarek S. Fleihan

Published: Tue 22 Jun 2004, 10:06 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 2:02 PM

In a recent announcement, Mr Fikri said the centre's construction marks the conclusion of the first phase of the municipal plan to upgrade its services at these areas.

"More beach umbrellas would be erected at these areas for people visiting Sharjah's beaches," he said, adding that the civic body would also construct some public utilities at the beach areas.

The municipal plan came in response to the public demands and concerns of authorities over public safety at beaches. Mr Fikri said that cafeterias would be constructed at various sites of the emirate's beaches, adding that many areas would also be paved by the municipality to reduce the impact of high temperature. "Lifeguards will be hired at several points to enhance safety of swimmers and public at beaches," he said.

During the past few months, the civic body had launched several campaigns for preserving Sharjah's coasts from the adverse impacts of garbage and other pollutants. The municipality had also launched awareness campaigns, which aimed at protecting beaches of the emirate from pollution. These campaigns were conducted in conjunction with several lectures and workshops involving various childhood centres, school students including kindergartens grades, sport clubs, social and cultural associations, and women societies in Sharjah.

The lectures were organised in collaboration with some international environment societies. Many issues pertaining to environment protection were discussed at these functions that also featured presentations showcasing the municipality's achievements in protecting the environment.

Sources of possible pollutants are under regular surveillance in coordination with the coastguards, Sharjah Police, as well as the Environment and Protection Area Authority.

The municipality is also providing professional human resources in the field of environment and utilising high calibrated technologies to monitor the hazardous chemical pollutants and other microscopic bacteria, as part of its comprehensive plan to counter coastal pollution.