New dams, canals to be built in RAK to prevent flash floods

Top Stories

New dams, canals to be built in RAK to prevent flash floods

Ras Al Khaimah - Plans have been mapped out for the construction of dams, lakes, barriers and canals.

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Mon 15 Apr 2019, 5:51 PM

Last updated: Mon 15 Apr 2019, 8:00 PM

With the recent flash floods ravaging several houses, farms and roads, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development vowed to put solutions in place.
Plans have been mapped out for the construction of dams, lakes, barriers and canals that will not only ensure people's safety but will also make the best use of rainwater.
Ahmad Al Hammadi, director of the roads department at the ministry, said the new plans would cover all the areas from Shaam to Al Fahleen, passing by mountainous sites.
The water current at Wadi Naqb, for one, shall be diverted to protect the houses around the area, he said.
"This valley had been dry for quite a long time, but it got flooded due to the recent downpour."
The floods at the Haqeel and Naqb valleys even led to the closure of three exits on the RAK ring road, Al Hammadi said.
Four years ago, there was a plan to build a canal at Wadi Haqeel to divert the rainwater to a nearby area, he said.
"The project was put on hold recently because some historical graves were discovered in the wadi. Hence, the team will be working on a new path for this canal to ensure the protection of nearby houses, farms, schools and roads."
Drainage operations are still under way, he said. Rain bridges, known as abbaras, are being unclogged, and wastes are being cleared from the roads.
"The department has put some barriers close to the RAK ring road, which is next to the flooded Wadi Naqb," Al Hammadi said.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 


More news from