Sharjah residents complain about water-clogged streets

Sharjah - The municipality stated it has succeeded in draining out 35mn gallons of rain water until Saturday,

Despite the "massive efforts" carried out by the Sharjah Municipality to prevent water clogging on streets after last week's rains, accumulated rainwater continues to be a problem in many parking lots and some streets in residential areas. To make matters worse, some of the puddles are turning stagnant with each passing day.
The municipality stated it has succeeded in draining out 35mn gallons of rain water until Saturday, and is continuing its efforts until all the stagnant water is removed from the city roads. The emergency team is equipped with all types of diesel-run pumping and draining machines. A total of 145 pumps and 90 water tanks were used to suck out  the water.
Thabit Al Turaifi, director-general of the Sharjah Municipality, said the team of emergency workers is committed to draining out the rain water, and operate all day and evening to ensure that the roads used by motorists are drained first, as a priority to prevent traffic congestion. Subsequently, rainwater at roundabouts, parking lots and other public areas will be drained out, ensuring the safety and comfort of residents, and to maintain the city's image.
Al Turaifi explained that as this period of rain was heavy and continuous over several days, the emergency team has found it challenging to remove all of the puddled water rapidly. Engineer Jaffar Ali, director of the Environment Services department at the Sharjah Municipality, said that work teams had been deployed in all the main roads. Prioritising the draining procedure, the teams proceeded to clear the main roads of water to congestion, then focusing on the lower area that lack drainage networks.
Mohammed Al Jassmi, director of public relations at the municipality, said the hotline 993 received 582 complaints on stagnant rainwater. The team responded to all calls and addressed the issues in a short time. The public hailed the Municipality's efforts in responding to emergency calls and for dealing with rain-related issues professionally - on social media platforms.
Khalifa A.A., owner of Dar Al Naeem perfumes, said that the clogged water blocked the route to his shop and affected his business, but when he called the Municipality and explained the matter, they responded quickly and pumped out the water. A private parking manager in Qasimiya area said that the heavy flow and water height caused some of the cars parked in the parking area to get submerged, and its owners couldn't move them due to the water clogging. "The car owners used taxis and public transport to move around, but when we notified the Municipality about the situation, they immediately responded by cleared the parking area," he said. Bin Majid, who lives in Mysalon Villa, said that the Municipality  immediately responded to his complaints of water clogging in front of his villa.
Sharjah Municipality pumps up efforts
> Drained out 35 million gallons of rainwater until April 1
> Has stationed 145 pumping machines and 90 water tanks across the emirate
> Municipality received 582 complaints about stagnant rainwater
> If you are facing any issues related to water-clogging, register a complaint on 993.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah