New machines to clean Sharjah roads

SHARJAH Municipality (SM) has deployed state-of-the-art Italian technology to sweep dust, sand and litter from the streets of Sharjah from Wednesday.

A demonstration and handing over of the first delivery of 20 machines was done in Sharjah on Tuesday.

The event, held at the Radisson SAS Hotel was attended by Director General of SM Dr Saleh Tahir Al Haj, Chairman of Intercare Group JHC Colley, Export Manager of Dulevo, Steffano Battistini, several municipal officials and company representatives.

Highlighting the vision of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Quassimi, Haj said that the vision of Sharjah is focused on the motto of "Smile, you are in Sharjah." "It denotes tidiness, cleanliness and want to make everybody happy while in Sharjah," he said.

"Everybody living in Sharjah, residents and visitors from all over the world should be happy in the emirate. We also try to satisfy our customers, internal and external as well as our suppliers. We would like to have a strategic partnership with our suppliers. It is a win-win situation," Haj said before the ceremony.

"We have to face challenges due to the overwhelming population, construction activities and constant improvement in all sectors. Our main aim is to set up a clean city and that is why we are partnering with private companies," he said.

Earlier, at the press conference, Colley introduced the machines to the audience while Battistini described the technology used in the three types of sweeping machines.

The big one the Dulevo 5000 Evolution uses the mechanical suction technology at dry and wet land. The machine is very good for the arid Arab region where water is scarce. It does not use water to wet the street before sucking the dust particles less than 10 microns. The all-season machines can be used for hot as well as cold climates, he said.

SM has invested Dhs15 million for the initial purchase of 20 machines, which has 5 cm capacity. The collected dust is thrown away at designated places. The machine does not need water as in the case of other similar types of machines. The broom in the front of the machine can take 180 degree turns and sweep the dust from any corner. Assistant Director for Finance and Manpower of SM Riyad Aleem said that the municipality will train any number of people to operate these machines which will start operations on Sharjah streets from Wednesday.

The other type of sweeper is the 5000 Veloce, which has an inbuilt water tank while a smaller version, 850 Mini combines sweeping capacity with reduced dimensions and ease. The 100 Elite is designed to filter the finest dust and sweeps any type of debris. The 5000 Hydro and 200 Hydro are essentially water spraying cleaners with variable washing width. It can climb steps and sidewalks and clean the interiors, Battistini said.