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Seven Fujairah dams minimise effects of recent thunderstorm

Fujairah - 'Dams are meant to protect people, they did just that'

The network of seven dams in the Sakamkam area of Fujairah significantly decreased the effects of the recent heavy rains in the area, according to Dr Abdullah Belheif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development.
"As far as we can tell, the dams have performed exactly what we constructed them for," he said. "They are meant to protect people, and that was what was achieved."
The minister's comments came during a tour of the Eastern Region of the UAE to inspect and assess the damage caused by the recent rainfall.
Al Nuaimi went on to note that the dams - completed in 2015 at a cost of Dh40 million - were constructed based on feedback from local people following other periods of heavy rain in recent years.
"Particularly in this area, we have had complaints from people," he noted. "But this year we have had no complaints whatsoever."
"We will continue to check constantly whether there is any requirement needed to improve the dams," he added. "By doing so, we protect the people and add to their happiness."
According to officials, over the course of the last two weeks, three dams were filled to capacity by the rains. In order to increase the efficiency of dams and canals and minimise the damage caused by heavy rain fall, at the beginning of April the ministry will begin working on the maintenance of 40 dams and water channels. The work - which includes cleaning lakes and maintaining mechanical gate valves - is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
During the tour, Al Nuaimi also inspected the Yabsa Bypass Road which connects the Masafi-Fujairah Road and Fujairah Port.
Although some rocks and dirt fell on the road during the recent rains, it was quickly cleared. Although Al Nuaimi noted that recently installed pumps and drainage water channels performed their function as designed, he directed engineers to install more protective barriers on the road once it is fully completed.
Al Nuiami also checked on the progress of the Qasidiyah Water Channel near Khor Fakkan, which - although only 83 per cent complete - had drained a "significant" amount of water in the area during the recent heavy rains.
The channel is one of several which will protect the upcoming four-lane, 5.1 kilometre-long Western Khor Fakkan Ring Road, which is designed to better connect the Khor Fakkan area with Dibba in the north.
According to one of the project engineers, once completed, the channels will ease the impact of rainwater coming from the mountains to nearby areas by 70 per cent.
Lastly, Al Nuaimi approved an initiative to create a new group to deal with emergency situations and the rainy season. The group will be tasked with the removal of obstacles and damage caused by inclement weather and the opening of roads, among other related work.
bernd@khaleejtimes.com