SHArjAH prepAreS FOr rAiNy SeASON

SHARJAH — The Sharjah Municipality’s preparation for the rainy weather is in full swing, officials said on Tuesday. The preparations include development of a plan to deal with water clogging and ensure a smooth traffic flow across the emirate.

Salim Thabit Al Turaifi, directorgeneral of Sharjah Municipality, said that four committees would implement the plans and work on the complaints from the public.

Emergency teams, equipped with the necessary tools, would also be deployed not just to respond to incidents but also to patrol the emirate’s streets. They would be looking out for various dangers, including pools of rainwater, and would be dealing with them on the spot to prevent possible accidents.

A total of 55 pumps and 66 tanks are on standby to clear up clogged water on roads and streets. These trucks, along with recovery vehicles, would be available round the clock to assist residents in moving their damaged vehicles and respond to their needs, said Khalid bin Falah Al Suwaidi, head of the support committee.

Ali Obaid Al Hamoudi, chairman of the media committee, said: “Any emergency or water clogs can be reported by calling the municipality’s hotline number 993, through smart services, or through the municipality website.”

Hassan Al Tafa’q, director for agriculture and environment, said: “The rain operations will be supervised and monitored by 28 officials from various departments of the municipality. The municipality also carried out the reconstruction and improvement of 29 ponds and linked 12 waterclogging-prone areas to drainage systems.”