Dubai Municipality’s Drainage Network Department has announced that it is taking extra measures to stop illegal dumping of sewage water by some of the tanker drivers in open areas or in the storm water network of the city.

Abdul Majeed Sifaee, Director of the department, said the department detected so far this month some 27 tankers involved in this illegal activity and fined each of them at least Dhs50,000 which included a fine and the cost of cleaning and flushing out the storm water lines.

He noted that instead of waiting for their turn at Al Awir Sewage Treatment Plant, some of the tanker drivers prefer to empty their tankers in open areas or through the storm water networks in Al Qouz, Al Barsha and Ned Al Sheba that are designed to carry pure rain water to the sea.

"This has resulted in polluting part of the emirate’s coast line. Our staff are now keeping a close watch on those law-breakers who mainly empty the tankers between 12 and 5 a.m. daily so as to avoid detection. In the wake of the increased activity recently, we have requested the help of Dubai Police in putting an end to this phenomenon for once and all," he said.

He said the department had observed that on an average some 4 to 5 tankers are carrying out this illegal activity daily which represent just one per cent of the total sewage tankers in the city. However, their action ultimately results in the pollution of sea water and affects the health of swimmers and beach-goers.

"We will take stern action against these law breakers including hefty fines that can go up to Dhs100,000 and permanent cancellation of the vehicle license as stipulated in Local Order No.11 of 2003," said Mr Sifaee.

He urged the public to cooperate with Dubai Municipality in this regard and inform it about such illegal activity if they spot someone doing it by calling the 24/7 toll free number 800 900.

It is worth mentioning that Dubai Municipality has begun a project to ease the congestion at Al Awir Sewage Treatment Plant for sewage tankers waiting for their turn at the plant and reduce the waiting time for them. The Maintenance Department is currently working on a new project to construct a 50,000 square meter parking lot for the tankers that will organise the sewage dumping process in an easy and smooth way. Once the project is completed in two months time, the tankers will be able to enter the plant according to their turn and complete the dumping process in a hassle-free way.