More flood woes plague Dubai residents living near Ibn Battuta Mall

People living in The Gardens and visitors to Ibn Battuta Mall had to drive through several inches of sewage water yesterday morning after a bust pipe caused flooding in the area.

Cars passing through a waterlogged road near Ibn Battuta Mall as residents near the mall tackle new floods in the area. Jaime Puebla / The National

DUBAI // Just four months after 16 million gallons of water from a burst pipe submerged cars parked near The Gardens and Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, people once again had to drive through several inches of sewage water on Sunday morning.

The flooding, caused by another burst pipe, happened next to the mall's cinema exit, and was described as "one of the worst" leaving a strong stench in the air – and angry residents.

“The roundabout looks like there is 12 inches of water,” said Mohammed Fahad, a Pakistani living in The Gardens.

“This is not even fresh water. It is sewage water and is a health and safety hazard.”

Mr Fahad said the recurring problem was making life difficult for residents.

Residents said officials started to drain away the water in the afternoon.

A Nakheel spokesman said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Infrastructure work is in progress to resolve this issue."

The developer did not say what caused the flooding.

“I had to go to the supermarket and had to take a detour,” said Marina, a Russian. “If I went through the flood, my car would have submerged. Water had entered some cars. I had to park far from home and carry the bags. I am six months pregnant and it was pretty tough.

"My husband hopes there will be a solution but I don't even hope any more."

Residents also took to social media to vent their frustration.

“Nakheel, or whoever...in charge, have done yet another beautiful fountain masterpiece with leaking sewage water,” Fawwaz Abughazaleh wrote on Twitter.