Crying foul over sewage trucks

The sucking out of sewage water from the septic tanks of many buildings in Sharjah and Ajman by tanker trucks operated by some private sewage companies is creating a host of negative environmental problems and posing a serious health hazard, say residents of the two emirates.

The trucks, which do their daily rounds of sucking up the accumulated, foul-smelling liquid waste and domestic sewerage from septic tanks often spill some of the contents on their way to the landfills. The leakage from these tanks in residential areas, causes stench and attracts flies and insects.

The sound rumble as the tanks draw near homes and sound of the suction made hurts the ears and tenants, despite objections, have been forced to live with the noise pollution and the stench despite the many objections raised.

Speaking to Khaleej Times Nazzar Abdullah, a resident of Al Butainah in Sharjah, said that the suction of liquid wastes creates an intolerable stench in the vicinity of the site, causing severe inconvenience. The leaking tanks dripping foul-smelling, poisonous waste contaminate the area. This is unhygienic and affects the health of children.

Hiba Faisal, a resident of Al Jarf in Ajman, said that the apartment block he resides in is yet to be connected to the sewerage system provided by Ajman Sewerage Company.

"Some of the landlords are not concerned with public health and the preservation of the environment in this area, a large number of people are affected by this mess," he says, the disgust clearly showing in the voice.