Heavy rain exposes weakness of storm water drainage system

Dubai: The heavy rain lashing the city has exposed the malfunctioning of the storm water drainage system.

Taleb Julfar, Director of the Drainage and Irrigation Department at Dubai Municipality, said there was flooding in some areas such as Emirates Road and Al Khail Road, but most of the areas functioned normally because they were cleared of rain water within hours.

Julfar said construction work on a number of road projects, including the Dubai Metro led to the blockage of the drainage system leading to water-logging.

"We are working closely with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to bring the situation under control," he added.

He said the municipality is using sewage tankers to pump water from low lying areas and areas without a storm water drainage system.

"The storm water system is not designed for immediate clearance of rainwater because it does not rain here throughout the year," said an official at Dubai Municipality. He said it takes six hours for rain water to clear if it rains up to 18mm continuously.

Apart from more than 1,300 kilometres of sewerage pipeline, a separate drainage system also runs beneath the city. So far, there are around 1,100 kilometres of drainage pipelines with more than 12,000 manholes laid in the city.

The official also held the public and construction workers responsible for choking the drainage system. He advised the public to use the sewerage system properly, as it is one of the most essential services for the public.

Residents should not put solvents, pesticides, paint thinners, engine oil or household cleaning products with hazardous chemicals down the drain or in to a storm sewerage system.

He also clarified that the municipality was not responsible for flooding in areas developed by private developers.

Flooding: Emergency numbers

For emergency related to rain flooding call 04-3243666

For emergency related to road issues and traffic signals call 8009090