A co-ordinated multi-agency campaign has been launched to take the sting out of the ‘pesky mossie menace’ that has led to a public outcry and painful, bruising bites on the legs of thousands of affected families.
Areas where the blood-sucking mosquitoes are most widespread are being identified to determine the best possible methods to deal with them, with officials holding an inspection at Bu Quwah.
The visit, led by Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor, took place at Block 457, an area that contains several patches of stagnant water due to the high level of groundwater and a low ground level. Additionally, the area is highly dependent on underground sewage tanks due to the block not yet being connected to the sewage network.
Initiative
The Northern Governorate initiative is being held in co-operation with Bapco Energies, the Health Ministry’s public health directorate, the Works Ministry and the Northern Municipal Council.
Mr Al Asfoor was accompanied by Northern Municipal councillor and fourth district representative Dr Salman Mohsen, the governorate’s engineering services and investment director Dr Sohaila Al Yawshaa, services and follow-up head Sharif Abdulla and investment development head Essam Alkhayyat.
“The mosquito control campaign reflects the level of co-ordination and partnership among government entities who are determined to control the scourge and eliminate the pests in areas that they breed in,” said Al Asfoor during the inspection.
“A team of volunteers has been formed in order to implement the recommended action. Insecticides will be sprayed, water will be withdrawn from pits and tanks, water bodies will be filled up, and stagnant water will be collected.”
The governorate is also launching an awareness campaign for those in the region with the aim to educate residents on the causes of mosquito breeding and how to work together to avoid it.
They are calling on everybody in the area to participate and co-operate with officials to ensure the success of the campaign and to communicate with the officials when an outbreak occurs.
The GDN reported earlier this month that volunteers would be deployed across the country to combat the mosquito menace and assist government authorities.
This came following the approval of a proposal by A’ali and Ramli District councillor Abdulla Ashoor to launch a national campaign to combat the issue.
Round-the-clock contact channels had already been opened for people to file complaints.
The Health Ministry’s public health directorate environmental health chief Rajaa Al Salloom added that a specialised company may also have to be instructed to provide smoke equipment and insecticides.
l Victims of mosquito infestations should call the hotline 80008100 for further information. Additionally, complaints can also be sent through the national suggestions system, Tawasul.
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