Duabi Municipality warns public about contaminated areas
Beach-goers are being warned to stay away from certain parts of Dubai's beaches that have become contaminated with oil. Dubai Municipality issued the warning after receiving numerous reports from concerned swimmers and sunbathers who got oil on them as they swam or relaxed at Jumeirah Open Beach.
Municipality officers confirmed they have been facing the problem for the past week and are still investigating where the oil has come from. "The oil has been brought to our notice but we urge the visitors not to panic. We do not think it's a health hazard now but would like to advise visitors to stay off areas where they see oil spills," said Redha Salman head of environment protection and safety, Dubai Municipality.
Concerned mother Victoria Ege first noticed oil stains on the feet of her two-year-old son while he was building sand castles on the beach yesterday. "We were shocked when we discovered that it was oil. I come to this beach so often but I have never had such an experience before. I think the authorities should inform people about it or probably close down the beach until it is all clear. It is clearly a health hazard," said Ege.
"We called Dubai Municipality and informed them about this. We also asked them how to remove these oil stains. We have been scrubbing for hours," said Ege. Salman said that Dubai Municipality and other government organisations were part of the Oil Spill Task Force Committee that was looking into the issue.
"We appeal for the cooperation of the public to inform us whenever they spot such oil spills," said Salman.
Yesterday although no oil could be spotted in the sea, clumps of oil could be clearly seen across ton the beach. It is suspected that the oil may have originated from an oil slick reported by the local media last week and seen in the sea near Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali beach.
© 7Days 2007
