RAK Valley to see new bridges to ensure safe crossings
ras al khaimah — The Al Qur Valley in Ras Al Khaimah, where a 53-year-old Arab truck driver drowned while trying to cross it during the recent flash floods, will see new rain bridges (abbaras) to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Ahmad Al Hammadi, directorgeneral of the roads department, said they have formed a special committee of engineers and technicians who visited and examined the valley, which is a connecting point for rainwater from two other valleys.
“A thorough study of the entire region is to be conducted to take appropriate action, and build new rain bridges to ensure safe crossing of the valley during seasonal showers.”
He added that the department was fully prepared for the rain season this year. “We have finished building a number of rainwater drainage networks on some major roads in the emirate, while maintenance works are underway for all the rain drains.”
A new rain bridge is being built at Al Beeh Valley to avoid any traffic disruption on the road leading to Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the country, during downpour, he pointed out. “It is the third rain bridge on this valley which is known for strong current of rainwater.”
A number of tankers have been deployed to drain out accumulated water, he disclosed.
“More pumps have been installed at different parts of the emirate, particularly those with reported water ponds.”
The department has examined the recently-completed rainwater drainage network, which proved efficient in preventing water accumulation and road blockage, he pointed out.
“The department has built a number of rain bridges over the last two years. They have efficiently helped avoid the negative fallout of flash floods in many parts, particularly the southern mountainous areas,” Al Hammadi said.
Several roads of the emirate used to get cut off and many houses swamped during seasonal rains, but this is no more the case due to the relentless efforts to check the impact of heavy showers, he underlined.
“We have removed all the edifices, farms and makeshift houses illegally built on the streams of the valleys.”
A thorough study of the entire region is to be conducted to take appropriate action, and build new rain bridges.” Ahmad Al Hammadi, director-general, RAK roads department