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Uncovered manholes pose danger to Al Ain residents

AL AIN — Uncovered manholes are posing a danger to people as well as animals in several areas of Al Ain.

Jimmi Al Ameriyah residents have complained that there are two uncovered manholes on Street No. 69 in front of Zahrat Al Madaen Kindergarten. They said these manholes pose a danger to pedestrians, especially since the sewer is very deep.

"We are worried for our children as they could fall in the sewer anytime," said the parent of a child.

Residents in the area said some children light fires after collecting dry leaves from inside the sewer.

"Fire could spread to the nearby trees and cause a disaster," Mahdi Ali, a resident in the street, said.

Asia Saad, another resident, appealed to the Sewage Department to solve the problem fast.

Farmers have also complained that four to five camels get trapped in the improperly covered manholes and sewers every week. Some of them die in the end.

A farm owner said accidents involving camels occur usually around farms owned by UAE nationals located in Suwaihan, Al Hayar, and Al Showaib areas.

"The Civil Defence succeeds in rescuing the majority of the camels trapped in uncovered manholes, but in many cases, the camels die," he added.

The farm owners said they have complained to the Al Ain Municipality.

Mohammed Saeed, supervisor and controller of the private company managing the Al Ain sewage network in cooperation with municipality, said the company receives five to six complaints about uncovered manholes and sewers in residential areas per week.

"Regarding Street No. 69 in Jimmi Ameriyah, as soon as the company was alerted by Khaleej Times, we ordered to cover the two manholes," he added.

He said the company in cooperation with the civic body makes every effort to cover sewers and manholes that pose a threat to the lives of both people and animals.

"We need the help of the farmers also by alerting us about any neglected sewers or manholes to cover them up before accidents occur," he added.

lanamahdi@khaleejtimes.com