A resident in Shenzhen questions the rationale for watering roads on rainy days; the Urban Management Bureau says it helps with cleaning and saves water resources

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Some residents of Shenzhen told the Southern Metropolis Daily that after recent heavy rains, they encountered water trucks sprinkling water on the roads at night; they believed that such watering was a waste of water resources, as the potholes and puddles on the roads made it difficult for pedestrians to walk. In response to this, the Urban Management and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau of Bao’an District in Shenzhen stated that during rainy days, the dirt on the road surfaces, as well as the dust and stubborn stains accumulated in the cracks, become easier to wash away once softened by the rain. Additionally, high-pressure washers can remove debris such as fallen leaves and plastic bags that are stuck tightly to the road surfaces, allowing sanitation workers to collect them more easily and thus saving water resources effectively. On rainy days, roads become dirty and slippery; if they are not washed, the dust and dirt accumulated during rain can easily pose safety risks to pedestrians.