Tankers found dumping sewage illegally in Dubai will be fined Dh100,000

Dubai: Companies involved in sewage removal in Dubai have been warned of severe punitive action, including Dh100,000 fine, if found illegally dumping raw sewage.

Dubai Municipality will take severe actions against any practices that violate environment safety rules and regulations in Dubai, Salem Bin Mesmar, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Health, Safety and Environment Control Sector, said.

Dumping raw sewage into storm-water outlets will result in a fine of Dh100,000 or above as per estimated damages, confiscation of tankers for period of one month to three months, and suspension of trade licence of transporting companies until further notice, he said.

Illegal dumping of sewage at any other area will result in fines and legal action, including suspension of license.

He also said changes and alteration to the tanker's general structure (like change in discharge hole) will lead to the confiscation of the tanker and trade license.

Dubai Municipality's Drainage Network Department last month caught some 27 tankers for illegally dumping raw sewage and fined each of them Dh50,000, which included a fine and the cost of cleaning and flushing out the storm water lines.

Instead of waiting for their turn at Al Aweer Sewage Treatment Plant, some of the tanker drivers prefer to empty their tankers in open areas or through storm water networks in Al Qouz, Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba that are designed to carry rain water to the sea.

Have you faced any such issue? Do you think the fine is enough to stop people from dumping raw sewage? Or does more need to be done?