Residents demand action as waste piles up

TDT | Manama

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Overflowing bins, derelict boats, and food stalls breaking rules have drawn concern in Juffair and Umm Al Hassam, with the Capital Municipal Council looking into complaints about worsening cleanliness and road blockages.

Rubbish in Block 333 has sparked repeated grievances, while boats and abandoned cars are stacking up in residential streets in Block 340.

Yesterday, the council examined the upkeep needs of the Fourth District, which takes in Umm Al Hassam, Juffair, and Al Fateh.

Calls have grown for stronger waste services in housing areas, with councillors pointing to the strain on local cleanliness and safety.

Residents in Umm Al Hassam say rubbish heaps and declining upkeep are a growing issue, with Block 333 drawing the most complaints.

Locals are pushing for maintenance of the district’s walkway, along with new plant beds, smart seating, and a guard’s hut.

In Juffair, Block 340 faces mounting road clutter, with boats and fishing skiffs left haphazardly in housing estates, alongside abandoned cars.

Councillors also flagged concerns over sports grounds on Road 4003, across from Al Bayan Tower, calling for repairs and fencing.

Violations

Meanwhile, they urged a sweep of violations from makeshift food stalls operating without approval along Road 2469 in Block 324, behind Al Najma Club.

Khalifa Al Kaabi, who leads the Capital Municipality’s monitoring unit, said his team runs inspections every two to three days, cracking down on illegal signs plastered on walls.

He described such postings as an eyesore and a breach of local rules. Food stall owners who flout regulations are being urged to fall in line, with fines of at least BD100 for those who fail to comply, as set out in public cleanliness laws.

Fines and removal

On abandoned vehicles in Juffair, Al Kaabi said cars left for more than three months risk fines and removal.

Street sellers were also under review, with some licensed vendors set to be allocated trading spots.

Others, however, continue to set up in high-risk areas, such as busy roads and roundabouts.

Housing areas

Cleaners, he added, are putting in the work to keep housing areas tidy, but some residents are still dumping bulk waste, including furniture, on the streets, expecting municipal teams to deal with it.

Fatima Al Shaikh, a senior engineer at the Capital Municipality, confirmed that a bid has been opened for work on Juffair Park, though it remains on hold until funds are approved for fencing and play equipment.

In Umm Al Hassam, plans to revamp the district park are set to move ahead this year once the budget is finalised.

Awareness Capital Municipal Council Chairman Saleh Tarada said authorities must do more to spread awareness on waste disposal, particularly the dumping of furniture in public spaces.