Fujairah residents cry foul as streets used as dumping grounds

Residents of a Fujairah neighbourhood say Fujairah Municipality workers empty only the garbage dumpsters and never clear the piles of rubbish lying around the area.

Residents living in the Al Ghurfa neighbourhood of Fujairah contend with rubbish and waste that is continually dumped on the streets. Reem Mohammed / The National

FUJAIRAH // An eyesore rubbish pile that is being left unattended in the heart of Fujairah city has got residents complaining of the foul odour, insects and stray animals it attracts.

People living in the old area of Al Gurfa said that Fujairah Municipality workers empty only the garbage dumpsters and never clear the piles of rubbish lying around the area.

“There are a number of spots that were never cleared of rubbish. The situation is getting worse and we can smell it from our nearby house,” said Hussan Khan, a 24-year-old Pakistani worker who lives in Al Gurfa.

“Some workers dump their garbage there and nobody talks with them. They should be fined for doing that as they affect us all.”

The majority of the residents in the area are workers from India and Pakistan after locals left for new houses elsewhere.

“We live six people in a room and we pay about Dh1,500 per month, so we can’t leave the area as we won’t find cheaper rents anywhere else,” added Mr Khan.

Another worker said that some houses have a problem with sewage pipes and dirty water runs in the streets and between houses.

“It’s a very serious issue. The smell is very bad and most of us can’t complain to the municipality because of the fear of losing our jobs,” said M K, a 40-year-old Pakistan who works as a delivery driver.

Unwanted furniture has also been dumped in the area, and stray animals are attracted to it.

“Stray dogs find it the best place to stay, as they keep eating from the garbage and find shelter in the dumped furniture. The garbage also attracts insects and flies, which may cause diseases,” added M K.

The old area of Al Gurfa is near Al Marash roundabout, 1.5km from Fujairah Corniche.

The head of Public Services and Environment department at Fujairah Municipality refuted claims that nothing is being done in the area.

Assela Al Mualla said there is a regular rubbish collection schedule in the area, uplifting waste from a number of dumpsters big and small.

“The municipality had organised three clean-up campaigns last year that covered the whole area, along with other areas, with the help of a number of cleaning companies,” she said.

“Sewage withdrawal and transfer services are provided by the municipality and our pest control division arranges periodic spraying campaigns that covers all the areas and includes rubbish containers, to minimise the effects of any contamination.”

Ms Al Mulla added that the team that deals with stray animals are always ready to receive complaints.

She said people should raise complaints to the municipality 24/7 by calling 80036.