Northern Municipal Council Pushes for Immediate Reopening of Garbage Bag Offices

Pressure

Calls to reopen garbage bag distribution offices dominated the Northern Municipal Council’s Ordinary Session 11, as members warned that existing measures have failed to resolve a long running crisis affecting residents across the governorate. Abdullah Mubarak Bilal Al Qubaisi, Saad Al Dossary, Bassem Abu Idris and Abdullah Ashour expressed shared concern that the Ministry has yet to demonstrate sufficient seriousness in addressing the issue, particularly in high density areas such as Madinat Hamad.

Reality

Members challenged official claims that distribution machines operate 24 hours a day, noting that many are located inside complexes that close at midnight and remain shut on Fridays and Saturdays. In several locations, only two machines are available to serve large populations, with frequent malfunctions further restricting access. Saad Al Dossary revealed that a home delivery service for elderly residents had previously been in place but was later cancelled, leaving many without support.

Elderly

Council members stressed that a significant number of senior citizens are unable to use electronic machines in the first place, effectively excluding them from the service. They argued that reopening distribution offices is no longer optional but necessary, at least until sufficient and reliable alternatives are available.

The council highlighted that the problem dates back to 2020, despite repeated assurances since 2022 that additional machines would be deployed. Members also questioned why office services remain open in other governorates, while residents in the Northern Governorate continue to face closures.

Response

Director General of the Northern Municipality Mohammed Saad Al Sahli said additional machines would be introduced and that council members would be consulted on their locations. Members maintained that reopening distribution offices is essential to restore fairness and ensure uninterrupted service for citizens.