Unpaved roads causing breathing problems for children in Fujairah neighbourhood

The elderly are also suffering from dust kicking up from roads and from a nearby cement factory.

Rashed Al Hayri is one of the residents calling for a 24-hour medical centre and improved roads. Satish Kumar / The National

FUJAIRAH // Dust from unpaved roads and a cement factory is affecting the health of residents near Dibba.

Many children and elders in Al Ghub suffer from respiratory diseases, such as chronic asthma, or regularly experience cough and cold-like symptoms and allergies.

“We moved here in 1981 when the area was newly constructed. We thought that in time, the place would have more facilities and services but, as you can see, we have only a few shops and one school with no proper pavements,” said Rashed Al Yamahi, 53.

The Al Ghub area is between mountains, eight kilometres from Dibba and 53 from Fujairah city.

The area is still under development and sits two kilometres from the cement factory.

“Our major problem now is the amount of dust that invades our houses and affects our children’s health,” Mr Al Yamahi said.

“I have seven children aged under 12 and we visit the doctor regularly to cure their flu-like symptoms. Each time, we drive all the way to Dibba hospital to treat them.”

Mr Al Yamahi said that unpaved roads are a major problem.

“Each time a car passes by our home, the amount of dust gets worse and when the weather is windy, we suffer from the dust that comes out from the cement factory,” he said.

Umm Mohammad Al Yamahi, who lives with her three children and 10 grandchildren, said that regular cleaning of the house does not solve the problem.

“The kids are always suffering from chest infections combined with sneezing and coughing. We clean the house every day and the air conditioning each month but it’s no use,” said Ms Al Yamahi, 62. Umm Ali Al Shehhi said that one of her daughters has asthma as a result of the environment and “dust is making it worse”.

“Many children and old people are suffering as well and somebody should solve the issue,” said the 40-year-old.

Rashed Al Hayri, 55, has called for roads to be paved and for more services to be made available in the area.

“I heard about the health situation of other residents and I’m afraid that my family will suffer, too. There are at least 200 families living here since 1981 and many services should be provided for them,” he said.

“We need a nearby medical centre that works 24 hours and a police station and the roads should be reconstructed to reduce the amount of dust.”

Jamil Noel, an Iraqi general practitioner who works at the family medical centre in Fujairah, said environmental factors do affect people’s health, especially children and the elderly.

“Some people may be affected more than others with environmental elements, such as dust and chemical dust that comes out of factories,” he said.

“It’s well known that dust may increase the risk of developing some infections and allergies in the long term.”

According to the Dubai Health Authority, 14 per cent of the population suffers from asthma.

During a smart clinic discussion held by DHA earlier this month, doctors advised people with asthma and allergies to stay away from or try to minimise contact with triggers, such as perfumes, pollen and dust.

They also advised to ensure that the ducts of the air-conditioning units are cleaned regularly to avoid accumulation of dust and fungal allergens.