Cleaning of drains begins

The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry has begun the cleaning of major drains across the Kingdom ahead of the rainy season. Shawqi Juma Al Mandeel, director of sewage operations and maintenance department, said the ministry has started work to clean all 48,151 drainage holes in the Kingdom. “This is in addition to maintaining 94 rainwater pumping stations located across the Kingdom.”

Mr Al Mandeel stated that the maintenance programme includes cleaning the drainage holes and networks to ensure effectiveness. “The drainage network gets blocked due to accumulation of dust and other wastes including plastic bags and they require periodic cleaning and maintenance.” The official affirmed that the ministry pays great attention to the maintenance of drainage facilities and networks.

Mr Al Mandeel urged the residents and citizens to give a ring on hotline 80001810 in case of any sewer emergencies. Separately, the ministry in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior, has announced the clean-up of the rainwater drainage system under the Buri Tunnel.

The tunnel will remain closed during the repair hours while the traffic will be diverted. Work will begin on Sunday at 01:00 am and will continue until 5:00 am. Citizens and residents have been urged to abide by the traffic rules.