SHARJAH // Fifty abandoned wells that pose a danger to residents must be closed down by the end of the month, said the Department of Civil Defence.
These closures will be in addition to 60 wells recently filled or sealed throughout Al Zubara, Al Loulouiyah, and Khor Fakkan City.
Farmers in Kalbaa were asked to close wells on or outside their property because of the risk they pose to motorists, children and animals, Lt Col Ali Al Naqbi, Director of Civil Defence in Khor Fakkan, said. They were given a three-month grace period which ends in just under two weeks.
Next month, a coordination meeting will be held with the Municipality Council, Kalbaa Municipality and the Sharjah Directorate of Town Planning and Survey, after which wells that have yet to be closed will be targeted.
Lt Col Al Naqbi said the department had asked Emirati farm owners in Kalbaa, who had been notified via social media, Friday sermons and after prayers at various local mosques, to cover their wells with protective fencing.
Authorities plan to crack down on anyone who fails to comply.
“We are taking strict action towards permanently closing down those wells that are no longer needed,” said the Lt.
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