Pools of stagnant water pose a risk for residents

Besides the dirt generated from the washing, the chemicals used to wash pose an environmental and health risk, fear Ajman residents. The stagnant, chemical-laced water has been eating into the tarmac and creating potholes.

Ironically, many of these shops and garages are located below residential buildings and most of these buildings do not maintain septic tanks to store the contaminated wastewater. These stagnant pools then turn into breeding grounds for flies and mosquitoes, say the residents.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Waleed Emran said the mud, which is being created by the wastewater from car washing centres and commercial establishments, raises a stink. The whole area takes an unclean, unhygienic look and there is no denying the fact that it is affecting the health of our children. They often come down with different types of diseases.

"For many children in these areas, the affluent water is a place to splash about or ride their cycles through, he said. Little do they know that they are risking contracting a disease by doing so.

Mohammed Taha, a resident of Al Nuaimia, said that every one of his family has to spend at least half-an-hour scrubbing the mud off their shoes before they enter the apartment.

Ali Othman said that their area is being effected every day by the standing water and the potholes, which create a significant amount of damage to the streets. It takes it toll on the elderly, it is a serious risk, especially at night when they can't see the potholes too well.

He added that the massive amount of mud mixed up with trash brings many kinds of insects, which can cause many diseases. Many infectious diseases like diarrhoea and viral hepatitis have been associated with the deteriorating environment.

Jamila Ali, another resident, said that landlords seem not to be too concerned with public health and the preservation of a clean environment. Despite being aware of the risks involved, they turn a blind eye and continue to rent out shops below the apartments for car washing .

"A large number of people are being affected by the deliberate dumping of the automotive fluid and soap water which contain chemicals that can cause diseases," she said.

Ameer, a shopkeeper, said that the workers at the car washing centres do their jobs in an improper manner, resulting in the spillage of dirty, brown and black water on to the pavement and roads.

Mohammed Yousif, the head of the waste section, Ajman Municipality, said that the municipality does its best to maintain a positive and favourable image of the emirate, and was working towards creating awareness among residents on ways to keep the emirate clean and tidy.