Sharjah: "For the past 14 months, a delivery van lies abandoned in Sharjah’s Muweilah area," a Gulf News reader tells us.
"This is a residential area with lots of families living here in the many apartment buildings. The van has been parked next to my building and hasn’t even been washed since it was abandoned.
"The other issue is that it has also become a dumping ground. People from the area leave trash bags next to the van as if it’s a garbage bin. They’re adding to an existing problem instead of trying to solve it.
"Usually, when the weather gets better, we open the windows of our apartment to get some fresh air. In the past few days, it has become cooler, and it’s a good time to switch off the air-conditioning and open the windows. But, it is not possible for my family and I to do so, due to the foul smell emanating from the van and the garbage around it. Also, the sight isn’t something you want to see so we’re keeping the windows shut.
"I’m also concerned about the fact that some children go and play in this empty plot. With the rubbish just lying there, I’m sure it’s becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes and several diseases.
"It is sad that some people’s bad attitude is forcing us to keep the air conditioners on even during the winters and children are being exposed to illnesses. We had a similar problem last year, too, but this year it’s worse as the garbage pile has become bigger (as seen in photograph).
"This abandoned vehicle could also be a fire hazard. With the rubbish piling up in and around it, anything can catch fire at any point. I’m not sure if it’s ironic, but there is a fire station about 600 metres away.
"I hope the concerned authorities take note of this situation and take the necessary steps at the earliest."
The reader’s concerns were raised with the Sharjah Municipality, who said: "Sharjah City Municipality would like to extend its regards to Gulf News and thank the concerned reader for his keenness on preserving the beauty of the city of Sharjah. The operations and Inspection Department of Sharjah City Municipality moved immediately to the area where the said vehicle was located. The vehicle was towed away and the area was cleaned completely (see photograph).
"We urge the public to report any such matters to the municipality on its hotline 993. In the past, the Sharjah Municipality has issued a warning to residents who park their vehicles on the streets for long periods of time while on vacation. Car owners who have travelled and left their cars parked on the streets will be fined Dh500. The municipality gives car owners a grace period to remove their vehicle from the particular location it has been parked in to avoid any fines. The car will be confiscated after the completion of the grace period or if the owner fails to respond to the warning and notification of the municipality."
The reader is a human resources officer based in Sharjah.
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