Overflowing sewage water raises a stink in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: A leak in the drainage pipes is raising a stink in the residential areas behind the main Abu Dhabi Municipality building on Salam Street, residents have complained.

The inner road between the Al Bahia Hotel Apartments and Suzuki showroom behind the National Drilling Company has been overflowing with sewage water since last week.

Residents said the stench has become unbearable, especially at night when the drainage water accumulates on the road.

Can’t Step out

“We cannot even open our windows because of the horrible smell. It is a nightmare to step out of the building as we have to wade through the sewage water to reach our car parked on the roadside,” said Reem Bashir, an Arab housewife living in the area.

Rajasree, an Indian mother, said she has stopped taking her two kids out to play near the pavement because of the overflowing sewage water.

Businesses in the area said the stench is driving away customers. “I have two restaurants in my hotel apartment and all my guests are complaining they cannot eat because of the stink,” said Mohammed Ashraf, manager of Al Bahia.

According to him, the municipality officials had fixed the pipe just a few days ago. “But the pipes burst again on Sunday, leaving a huge puddle all night. We could not even sit inside our office. We hope the municipality will fix the problem immediately,” Ashraf said.

A staffer at the Moti Mahal restaurant said their customers are unable to enjoy a good meal because of the stench. “This is a problem for us as we are in the business of serving food,” said the staffer.

When contacted the Abu Dhabi Municipality said all issues related to sewerage flooding comes under the purview of the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Service Company (ADSSC).

No comment was immediately available from the ADSSC.