(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) recently carried out more than 20,000 checks to assess the state and performance of grease traps, across the north, west and south zones.
“The purpose of the inspections was to assess the state and performance of grease traps, which are essential for keeping fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of drainage systems,” said engineer Thani al-Khulaifi, head of Emergency and Customer Service Section in Drainage Networks Operation and Maintenance Department at Ashghal.
These inspections help in the early detection of signs of flooding and blockages that may affect the sewage networks and protect the infrastructure while reducing network damage and avoiding unexpected service interruptions.
Ashghal said it has observed that certain establishments such as restaurants and public kitchens are still failing to adhere to regulations regarding the installation, cleaning and maintenance of grease traps.
Additionally some of these restaurants are intentionally discharging oil and grease into the drainage network managed by Ashghal resulting in severe damage to the network.
“Therefore, all restaurants and public kitchens must act responsibly and refrain from disposing of oils and grease into the drainage network and deposit them at designated collection points,” Ashghal said.
It added that installing grease traps in their kitchens is mandatory along with routine cleaning and any violation of the aforementioned will result in legal action being taken against the violators in accordance with the Penal Code No.11 of 2017 and the Law No. 18 of 2017 on the Public Hygiene and any other relevant laws.
Ashghal has so far reminded restaurant owners of the need to commit to the installation and maintenance of grease traps. This is in order to preserve the drainage network and ensure its sustainability. Ashghal has published an advisory that includes a set of guidelines to restaurants and houses. The advisory asks restaurant owners to prevent sewer blockages and flooding by disposing Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) properly.“Don't pour FOG down the sink. Ensure you have a grease trap installed in your kitchen.
Ensure your grease trap is properly maintained and cleaned regularly. Dispose FOG via tankers permitted by Ashghal and ensure your staff know how to correctly dispose of FOG,” the advisory says.

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