RTA prepares to tackle potential rainfall woes

Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority is stepping up preparations for the rainy season, including enhancing security and safety levels.

An RTA Emergency Team comprising 12 work teams is gearing up preparations to tackle potential problems and address them in a timely manner to avoid congestion caused by heavy rainfall.

Nabeel Mohammad Saleh, Director of the Roads Department, RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency, said: "RTA has stepped up the readiness to cope with the rainy season this year through the adoption of a number of procedures. These include taking all necessary precautions and measures needed for draining of the rainwater accumulated on roads or at various RTA projects by maintaining ready-to-use traffic diversions, provision of water tankers fitted with pumps to suck out ponds, and lift it away."

He continued: "RTA will coordinate with the concerned bodies, including Dubai Police, Civil Defence Department and Dubai Municipality. A meeting was recently held with Sewage & Rural Department at Dubai Municipality to discuss and endorse designs and suggest instant solutions to sort out rainwater drainage problems at certain areas."

"All motorists and road users are requested to exercise care and caution while driving under rainy conditions for their own safety. Emergency Team is working 24 hours a day and can be contacted by dialling 8009090," he said.

The RTA has completed inspections of 200 locations, including 50 areas that caused problems in the last rainy season.