Dubai government is set to spend Dh1.3 billion ($354 million) on development of rain and groundwater drainage system for districts around the Al Maktoum International Airport, Expo Dubai 2020 and near urban centres, said a report.
The funds were approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, reported state news agency Wam. The project will cover a total area of 400 sq km, stated the report. Hussain Nasser Lootah, the director-general of Dubai Municipality, said the project underlines the government’s commitment to implement projects that serve its vision for the future, which is to maintain Dubai’s standing as a metropolitan city and one of the world’s most smart and sustainable cities.
The project, he stated, will have a second phase, which will take the total cost to Dh2.5 billion ($680 million). It entails a deep tunnel network for the collection and disposal of rain and groundwater and represents a long-term solution that will be sufficient for the next 100 years; said Lootah. This system has the capacity to treat 6.5 million cu m of water per minute, he added.
