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Waste-trapping nets to be fixed in Creek

DUBAI — With floating waste materials in the Dubai Creek becoming a major cause for concern, the Marine Agency of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is conducting a study aimed at fixing waste collecting nets in the creek.

According to senior officials, the project is in line with the plan to introduce modern technology to conserve environment, particularly the marine habitat.

Khalid Al Zahid, Director of Marine Projects Department, said yesterday that the agency had undertaken the study which envisaged collection of all wastes at one place using a net made of stainless light materials and disposing them of later. The system would save both effort and time.

“The Marine Agency is coordinating with some local companies to manufacture these special nets each of which would measure 7X3 metres. The total area of floating waste trap would be 21 square metres.

“One such trap will be provided shortly and will be installed in the vicinity of an abra and water bus station in the creek. The station would be chosen soon. The project will cover all stations of abras and water buses,” said Al Zahid.

He added that the manufacturing of the first net would take at least 45 days.

The Dubai Creek has a lot of floating wastes like wrappers, plastic bags and cigarette butts which present an unpleasant site. They are thrown into the creek by abra commuters or speed boat crews.

The official said the waves caused by abras, power boats and wind dispersed the floating wastes, making them difficult to collect. It takes a considerable time at present to collect these materials with hand-held nets and conveyor belts of Dubai Municipality boats.

• UAE