Sharjah city is greened by over 22 million square metres of gardens, grass cover and trees, the emirate’s municipality has announced. Green areas in the city has been growing at a rate of 12 per cent annually, “which contributes to purifying the air and addressing the challenges of climate change”, the civic body said in a statement on Wednesday.
Recycled materials have been used in several projects, including a garden and a library.
Additionally, street signs have been made from discarded tyres.
The municipality will use “advanced systems for smart irrigation management to reduce water waste”, a top official said.
“These systems will monitor and improve the use of irrigation water in green spaces, gardens and systems … reducing wastage,” said Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, director-general of Sharjah City Municipality.
The civic body manages 68 gardens in Sharjah. As many as 17 million flowers were produced in the municipal nurseries in 2022.
Al Tunaiji said one of the sustainable initiatives adopted by the authority is the management and development of wastewater facilities. This helps produce high-quality treated water and organic fertilisers from the sludge resulting from treatment operations and agricultural wastes.
Sharjah produces more than 72 million cubic metres of treated water annually, and the municipality runs a number of wastewater treatment plants. The treated water plants meet the irrigation needs of the agricultural projects in the emirate, enhancing the green profile of the emirate.
Published: Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 12:21 PM
Sharjah, a city known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, is celebrating the flourishing of over 22 million square meters of lush gardens, vibrant grassy expanses, and thriving trees. In an official announcement, the Sharjah Municipality revealed that the city’s green spaces have been expanding at an impressive annual rate of 12%. This remarkable growth is not only enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal but also playing a vital role in environmental preservation.
The municipality’s dedication to sustainability is evident in several key initiatives. Recycled materials have been thoughtfully integrated into various projects, including the creation of eco-friendly gardens and a resourceful library. Moreover, the city’s streets have been adorned with street signs crafted from repurposed discarded tires, highlighting Sharjah’s commitment to upcycling.
An exciting development is the implementation of advanced systems for smart irrigation management. These innovative systems are poised to significantly reduce water wastage in green spaces, gardens, and irrigation networks. Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, the Director-General of Sharjah City Municipality, emphasized the importance of these systems, stating, “These systems will monitor and enhance the use of irrigation water, effectively minimizing wastage.”
The Sharjah Municipality takes care of 68 meticulously-maintained gardens throughout the city. In 2022 alone, the municipal nurseries produced a staggering 17 million flowers, adding colorful vibrancy to the cityscape.
Water sustainability is a top priority for Sharjah, and one of the key sustainable initiatives implemented by the municipality involves the management and development of wastewater facilities. This approach produces high-quality treated water and organic fertilizers from the sludge resulting from treatment operations and agricultural waste. The emirate currently produces more than 72 million cubic meters of treated water annually, sourced from several wastewater treatment plants. This treated water plays a vital role in supporting the irrigation needs of agricultural projects, significantly contributing to Sharjah’s green profile. In 2022, the Sharjah City Municipality produced an impressive 78,000 tonnes of organic fertilizer.
In a significant move towards renewable energy, the Sharjah Municipality has transitioned numerous billboards to be powered by solar energy. This green energy source is also harnessed to illuminate several parks in the city, adding a magical touch to nighttime leisure. Furthermore, the municipality’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions is evident through the adoption of Adblue technology in its vehicle fleet.
Sharjah’s ongoing transformation into a green and sustainable city is a testament to its dedication to environmental conservation and the well-being of its residents. The harmonious blend of nature and innovation exemplifies Sharjah’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
