DUBAI // The illegal dumping of waste on beaches will be reduced by providing a parking area for lorries carrying sewage to a treatment plant, it was claimed yesterday. Officials at the municipality's general maintenance department said they had spent Dh12.7million (US$3.45m) on the parking station and on improving access to the main sewage treatment plant in Al Aweer. Lorry drivers have complained that waiting up to 12 hours to empty their tankers forces them to dispose of the waste illegally. Last year, several drivers were caught dumping waste water on beaches and in desert areas.
The Dubai Offshore Sailing Club in Jumeirah was flooded with sewage last September, making it impossible to continue sailing lessons, while the municipality was also forced to close a stretch of beach nearby and warned swimmers to stay away. Polluters were fined up to Dh100,000 and some drivers found dumping sewage were deported. A reward of Dh2,000 (US$545) was offered to those who reported such cases to the authorities.
Juma Khalifa al Fuqae, the director of the general maintenance department, said the car park would cut the waiting period and allow drivers to leave their vehicles. The area would be able to accommodate dozens of tankers at one time. Mr al Fuqae added that basic services would be provided for drivers such as a prayer area, cafeteria, toilets, and other facilities. pmenon@thenational.ae