FUJAIRAH // Unwanted furniture, carpets and old mattresses dumped in the street are attracting stray cats and dogs, and creating an eyesore for residents in the picturesque coastal town.
Residents of Al Hara in Merbeh say bulky household items are dumped by people who do not know how to dispose of them.
Al Hara is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Merbeh, south of the Sharjah enclave of Khor Fakkan and about 20 kilometres from Fujairah city.
With its long stretch of beach set against the Hajjar mountains, the town is popular with visitors. But it has long had problems with rubbish.
Last year residents complained that refuse would go uncollected for more than a week, with bags and waste left to pile up when communal bins outside villas were full.
Debris from building sites adds to the problem, dumped on waste ground or by the side of the road.
Fujairah Municipality has since rearranged its schedule for regular rubbish collection, but the area still has a problem with larger items such as furniture, electronics and even cars left in the street.
“We used to have a problem with garbage collection but not any more,” said Ahmad Al Kaabi, 35, an Emirati.
“Municipality workers are doing their job properly but we have an issue with bigger items, like furniture.
“Some people throw their old furniture out making it look like a waste dump.
“Such uncivilised acts should be stopped and monitored because it affects the whole area and creates an unhealthy atmosphere.”
Mr Al Kaabi said the problem was exacerbated by groups of workers housed in company accommodation close by.
“Many Asian workers are living in the area and they need to be aware of the consequences of having rubbish all around their accommodations,” Mr Al Kaabi said. “The workers should be able to report any environmental breaches and have the knowledge to recognise it.”
Another Emirati resident said the rubbish was attracting insects and strays.
“Old furniture, such as sofas, carpet pieces and mattresses can easily attract insects that might move to the surrounding houses, while old cars can be the perfect home for stray dogs,” said Ahlam Saeed, 26.
“It’s an unhealthy environment and action should be taken against people who leave old stuff there.”
Fujairah Municipality provides a free-of-charge collection -service to safely dispose of large items such as old furniture.
“We encourage residents to contact us when they want to dispose of any bulk household items,” said Mohammed Humaid, head of Qidfa and Murbah Municipality branch.
“We have a weekly schedule for regular garbage waste collection and a monthly one for the other huge items, with compulsory regulations and penalties upon offenders.”
According to the municipality, the area is scheduled for renovation as part of the emirate’s 2040 master plan.
Residents can contact the municipality by calling 80036.
rhaza@thenational.ae
