Dubai: The civic body has put procedures in place for Ramadan to ensure that streets, facilities and all neighbourhoods can cope with the anticipated increase in the amount of rubbish produced.
“A dedicated supervision team has been set up and will be deployed to work round the clock to cover reports and complaints received from residents and to make sure that the workflow in all locations is a smooth one during Ramadan,” said Abdul Majeed Saifaie, director of Dubai Municipality’s Waste Management Department.
The Ramadan programme also includes increasing the number of field staff, machinery and equipment, in addition to spreading awareness messages to the public.
The move, explained Saifaie, is aimed at achieving a high level of cleanliness in the emirate by providing additional mechanisms, equipment and a new means of storage to cope with the potential increase in the amount of waste expected.
“The newly formed team consists of emergency workers and supervisors that are required to address reports and complaints received and to respond immediately, in addition to monitoring the cleanliness of the beaches,” said Saifaie.
“The programme will focus on the cleanliness of waterways, highways, and public health facilities as well as introducing a free transportation service for large-sized waste provided by the department,” he said.
Landfills will operate throughout the day, while the hazardous and medical waste treatment facility will work from 7am to 2pm.
“The efforts during Ramadan also include sending awareness messages to customers and employees via e-mail and smartphones, as well as the continuation of the campaign to reduce plastic bags,” said Saifaie.
He also urged the public to minimise waste by avoiding irrational spending in the daily purchase of food, clothing and accessories, especially during Ramadan.
