Obstacle to emirate's ambition

AJMAN // As this northern emirate plans its development, a chronic shortage of power remains the main obstacle to its ambitions. Yesterday the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department announced key targets in the 2010-14 strategic plan, including overhauling the emirate's infrastructure and focusing on sustainable development. A budget of Dh250 million (US$68m) has been allocated to roadwork. Road capacity is to be increased by 70 per cent, and sewerage networks will be completed for the entire emirate.

New food markets have been completed, and a modern slaughterhouse will be built near the meat market. A key goal is to increase Emiratisation at a rate of five per cent a year. Five per cent of available land is to be allocated to nationals. Emiratis and residents, while enthusiastic about the new plan, said the electricity shortage would limit development. "They all use generators," said Mohammed al Abduli, 37, an Emirati.

"The other problem is the water." "Basically, right from the beginning, we're running on generators," he said. "We want electricity to come, rent for properties to come down," said Ahmad Mohammed, 32, a police officer from Ajman. azacharias@thenational.ae