Sharjah:Sharjah Municipality has finalized its preparations to manage rainfall and changing weather conditions across the emirate. The initiative is supported by proactive planning, technical resources, and heavy machinery to ensure an effective response.
According to Emirates News Agency, the preparations are designed to address water accumulation quickly, maintain traffic flow, and protect both public and private property, as well as infrastructure. Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General of Sharjah Municipality and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Rain Emergencies, stated that the emirate has been divided into five operational sectors, each overseen by a specialized team.
The municipality's efforts include cleaning and maintaining drainage networks, servicing pumping stations, expanding collection basins, and strategically positioning equipment along major roads and residential areas. Dr Eng. Khalifa bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Services and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Rain Emergencies, noted that a task force consisting of 1,100 engineers, supervisors, technicians, and support staff has been mobilized.
In addition, the municipality has deployed 580 tanker trucks, with 180 belonging to the municipality and 400 from the private sector, alongside 180 mobile pumps. These resources include five high-capacity specialized dam pumps. Infrastructure improvements involve constructing 70 rainwater collection basins, clearing 40,000 drainage inlets, and installing nine new pumping stations, each capable of draining up to 1,200 cubic meters per hour.
The new pumping stations serve major roads such as Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street, Al Wahda Street, Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, and Al Dhaid Road. Enhancements in drainage capacity have been made in underpasses, and Al Seyouh suburb has been connected to the drainage network through a 300mm pipeline, with a 200mm pumping line installed in Al Bulaida.
Khalid bin Falah Al Suwaidi, Director of Customer Service and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Rain Emergencies, emphasized the deployment of specialized towing equipment and heavy machinery for clearing stranded vehicles, fallen trees, and road debris. The municipality's 24-hour call center (993) is also prepared to handle public reports and coordinate immediate field responses during adverse weather conditions. Public awareness campaigns continue to provide residents with guidance on staying safe during severe weather.