Ras Al Khaimah to build 15 new dams

The new dams to be built at Ghalila, Shaml, Al Rahba, Halhal, and Wadi Haqeel aimed at preventing flooding.

The recent rains resulted in the flooding of the road to the mountanious areas and valleys.

Ras Al Khaimah — The RAK Department of Public Works and Services, in a bid to preserve rain water, is to build 15 new dams at different areas of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

According to an official source, the new dams are to be built at Ghalila, Shaml, Al Rahba, Halhal, and Wadi Haqeel.

“These areas were badly affected by the seasonal showers in recent years,” he said.

Wadi Haqeel is to have seven dams because of the close distance between the houses and valleys and nearby mountains, he added. “The other eight dams are to be built at the other three areas.”

The official said the new dams are to be built in mountainous areas as the first phase of a massive project aimed to curb negative consequences of the heavy showers. “Dust barriers are to be built and canals are to be dug at the residential areas as is the case with the Shaam border area to the north of the emirate to protect the public against any heavy rains in the future.”

Elaborating, he said the new dams will benefit from the accumulated water, by storing and making the best use of the underground water, and boosting the image of the country as a tourist hub. “Some water currents shall be diverted to protect residents and buildings in collaboration with the RAK Municipality.”

Residents of the areas affected by the rains had urged the authorities concerned to divert or block the water because their houses and properties were flooded, cracked and adversely affected by the heavy rainfall.

Abu Saeed, an Emirati citizen at the Ghalila Valley, said many houses were flooded with in the rain water.

“The new dams will put an end to the always flooded roads and areas.”

The same complaints were raised by residents of other areas like Julfar and Shaml.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com