Dubai Municipality says work on region's largest sewerage project is on track

Dubai Municipality is continuing to implement a series of vital sewage projects, most notably the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnel (DSST) project, which is the largest of its kind in the region.

The project involves converting the existing system from mechanical pumping to natural gravity, thereby enhancing the infrastructure's efficiency and ensuring its sustainability for over a hundred years.

Adel Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Executive Director of the Waste and Sewerage Agency at Dubai Municipality, confirmed that these projects align with the objectives of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

This plan calls for the expansion of sewage and recycled water networks in order to keep pace with the city's rapid population and urban growth.

He stated that the strategic tunnel project would direct wastewater flows from residential, commercial and industrial areas efficiently to major treatment plants, meeting the needs of modern cities and enhancing quality of life in the emirate.

Al Marzouqi added that the municipality is also working to expand the Warsan and Jebel Ali wastewater treatment plants, increasing their daily treatment capacity and ensuring the continued provision of advanced, reliable services.

He explained that the two plants produce over one million cubic metres of treated water each day, which is enough to fill around 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

This water is used to irrigate gardens, parks, and other green spaces, providing a sustainable alternative to groundwater and playing a vital part in ensuring water security for future generations.

He also mentioned that the Dubai Municipality has adopted smart solutions and advanced sensor technologies to improve network efficiency.

These devices monitor flow and water levels in real time. Supported by predictive artificial intelligence systems, these devices enable immediate intervention when abnormal indicators appear, ensuring that services are provided continuously to the highest quality and safety standards.

Al Marzouqi further stated that the municipality aims to increase its use of recycled water to 100% by 2040. Currently, recycled water is used to irrigate green spaces, and plans are in place to expand its use to industrial sectors such as cement and ready-mix concrete factories, heavy equipment washing facilities, and central cooling plants.

He pointed out that these efforts are directly linked to the 2050 carbon neutrality goals. The tunnel project will reduce energy consumption by eliminating the need for additional pumping stations. It will also utilise sludge to produce renewable energy and increase reuse rates. This will consolidate Dubai's position as a more sustainable city.

Al Marzouqi pointed out that the municipality faces several challenges, such as restaurant oil drainage leading to blockages and industrial chemical leakage harming vital bacteria in treatment plants. He also explained that some tankers empty hazardous materials into the network and those others direct rainwater into it, causing flooding.

He said that the municipality is addressing these issues through awareness campaigns and monitoring to promote responsible use and ensure the network's efficiency.

With regard to rainwater, Al Marzouqi said that the municipality has emergency plans in place and is constantly prepared by identifying and monitoring areas most vulnerable to water pooling. He added that urgent solutions have been implemented in over 12 areas, reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring continuity of services despite weather fluctuations.