Booming Dubai threatened by raw sewage

A health threat is looming over public beaches in Dubai as two brothers have fallen ill after they fell into the sea off Jumeirah. Attention is again being drawn to illegal raw sewage dumping into the water.

Two brothers, Christopher and Michael Grayston, 14 and 12 years old respectively, both broke out in a fever after they fell overboard while sailing at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, according to 7days. The issue of dumping raw sewage in the region was brought up months ago and Dubai Municipality has sealed off the beach twice in the last two months, even though its officials recently said the water is clean enough for a dip. "Samples were taken from three locations - the harbour, near the outfall and on the beach," explains Mr Hassan. "It is safe according to our report - within the safe limit." "Our tests show the water is not safe," said Keith Mutch, General Manager at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. Residents were seen swimming in waters off nearby beaches that apparently looked free from any contamination. They said they did not notice a difference in colour or smell in the waters, and they had no idea it was contaminated. The culprit behind the pollution is sewage tank drivers; frustrated with long queues and serious delays at the only sewage treatment plant at Al Aweer, they have taken a shortcut and started dumping loads straight into manholes meant for rain water in areas such as Mirdiff, Al Quoz and Jebel Ali. Beaches near the club were seriously affected as they are connected to the Al Quoz Industrial Area through the pipeline. Heavy fines have been imposed to reckless drivers who pollute the water. In the last two months, the municipality has collectively fined more than 100 offenders an incredible $11 million AED ($2.9 million USD).