Sharjah Municipality Announces Comprehensive Rain Readiness Plan
Sharjah prepares for winter weather with enhanced drainage systems and emergency response teams.
1Strategic Operational Readiness
Sharjah Municipality has finalized its preparations for the upcoming rainy season to manage potential weather fluctuations effectively. Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director General and head of the Rain Emergency Committee, confirmed the city is divided into five distinct sectors. Each sector is assigned a specialized team to ensure rapid response times.
2Infrastructure System Upgrades
The municipality has focused on extensive maintenance of drainage networks and pumping stations. Efforts include cleaning 40,000 drainage openings and constructing 70 new collection basins. These proactive measures aim to enhance the overall efficiency of the city's water discharge system and minimize water accumulation in residential areas and vital road networks.
3Specialized Field Personnel
A dedicated field team of 1,100 employees has been mobilized to handle emergency situations. This workforce comprises engineers, technicians, supervisors, and support staff. Their primary objective is to ensure swift field responses and maintain operational efficiency across the city during periods of heavy rainfall or adverse weather conditions throughout the season.
4Advanced Pumping Equipment
The city has deployed 180 municipal tankers, supplemented by 400 private sector tankers, to manage water removal. Additionally, 180 mobile pumps ranging from 6 to 12 inches are positioned strategically. Five innovative, patented dam pumps have also been introduced, providing superior capacity for rapid water extraction in critical flood-prone locations.
5Expanded Pumping Capacity
Nine new pumping stations have been installed along major arteries, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street. These stations boast a discharge capacity of 1,200 cubic meters per hour. These upgrades are part of a broader effort to connect residential neighborhoods to the primary drainage network.
6Targeted Network Connectivity
Technical improvements extend to specific infrastructure projects, such as linking the Al Suyoh suburb to existing drainage networks via a 300mm pipeline. A 200mm pumping line was also installed in the Al Bulaida area. These targeted interventions ensure that water management systems are robust enough to handle localized drainage requirements effectively.
7Traffic and Obstacle Management
The municipality has prepared heavy machinery and towing vehicles to assist motorists stranded by water accumulation. These resources also facilitate the removal of debris and fallen trees that may obstruct roads. By maintaining traffic flow, these measures support both public safety and the efficient movement of emergency response teams across Sharjah.
8Public Communication Channels
To maintain public engagement, the municipality’s call center, reachable at 993, operates 24/7 to receive reports and feedback. This communication channel is vital for monitoring field conditions in real-time. By providing constant updates and rapid response coordination, the city ensures that residents remain supported throughout the duration of the rainy season.
Original article: Emarat Al Youm — Sharjah Municipality Announces Comprehensive Rain Readiness Plan