Not just a pipe dream: RAK residents hail new Dh25m sewer network
Project to replace septic tanks ‘takes community into 21st century’
Residents and traders in Ras Al Khaimah say they can breath easier having “finally entered the 21st century” as a new Dh25 million sewerage network nears completion.
Foul odours, insects and waste water have long plagued the community in Al Mairid area of the emirate but hazardous septic tanks are now being replaced with a modern sewerage system.
The project started towards the end of last year and 80 per cent of the new network, which will serve 565 residences and businesses, is operating.
The scheme will be completed by the end of the year.
“We have finally entered the 21st century, said Saeed Ali, 43, an Emirati who owns a villa in Al Mairid.
“A great weight has been lifted off my shoulders, worrying all the time about the septic tank and the bad smells associated with the process of emptying. The process was not pleasant.
“I’m glad and thankful for all of the efforts made to make our lives easier and we are proud that the government continues to carry out projects to upgrade the area, and we offer them all our support.”
Another resident said that insulating the sewer took only 10 days and there had been a great decrease in odours and insects.
“I always worry about the tank, if it’s full or needs to be emptied, whether I can still use water to clean the house or will it make the tank overflow,” said Amna Rashid, an Emirati mother of five.
“All of these issues were our regular concerns along with foul odours and insects attracted by the waste tank. It’s one of the essentials that every residential unit must have and we are glad that we finally have a proper sewerage network.”
An Egyptian laundry manager said he was keen to see the sewerage network connected to his place.
“They didn’t start digging yet although the pipes have been visible in front of the shop for almost a year,” said Ashraf Saqir, manager of Al Reesha Al Baydaa laundry in Al Mairid.
“We can’t wash clothes in the shop because we are not connected with the wastewater network yet. We can’t even rinse the floor with water. We only use a mop.”
Mr Saqir said that the landlord emptied the septic tank every 15 days and any extra water use could cost more.
“I send the clothes to another place to be washed and that costs us more money and adds extra charges on the customers,” he said. “But having a sewerage network would save us up to 50 per cent of the cost and help us to offer faster services with lower charges.”
“So our customers can pay only Dh5 for a piece of clothing instead of Dh10.”
Ahmed Al Hammadi, director general of RAK Services Department, said the project aimed to improve quality of life, and reduce the environmental impact and health risks associated with septic tanks.
“The project will contribute effectively in keeping the groundwater safe from any pollution that might accrue from an accidental septic tank leakage and limit the public exposure to toxic gases and foul odours,” Mr Al Hammadi said. “It will also reduce the tanker traffic on the roads.”
RAK also announced the opening of six new recycling plants in April to increase recycling levels from 14 to 75 per cent by 2021, diverting more waste away from landfill.
As well as improving the quality of life, the project is reducing the health risks septic tanks carry