A NATIONAL drive to get rid of mosquitoes in the Northern Governorate was launched yesterday from Block 457 in Saraya Buquwah.
The first-of-its-kind drive is led by Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor, under the slogan ‘Mosquito control is the responsibility of all and by all’, and comes as one of the initiatives being undertaken to promote the region as a healthy governorate.
Saraya was chosen as the start because it has been found to contain the highest infestation of the pesky pests.
The campaign, which coincided with World Environment Day which was marked yesterday, is supported by the Bapco Refining Company.
Mr Al Asfoor pointed out that one of the most prominent features of the campaign was its support of the Healthy Cities Programme.
“To achieve the Healthy Cities status for the governorate, we are working towards strengthening the system to prevent diseases caused by mosquitoes, protecting the environment from swamps, addressing the main cause of mosquito hotspots, and showing solidarity with the community to combat mosquitoes.”
Touring the block, he said drive is aimed to combat mosquitoes, remove waste, spray pesticides, cover up mosquito breeding hotspots near residential units, and educate the community through a media campaign which will run parallel to field work.
Leaflets were distributed to homes that included guidelines and instructions. Additionally, the governorate posted videos on combating mosquitoes that received wide views on social media accounts.
Campaign partners include the Northern Municipal Council, the Northern Municipality, the Supreme Council for the Environment, the ministries of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and Health, and volunteers.
Mr Al Asfoor said that the Saraya Buquwah area has challenges presented by the low ground level coupled with the presence of groundwater and several patches of water swamps around the houses caused by the heavy rainfall witnessed in Bahrain during April.
The GDN had previously reported that the Northern Municipal Council had approved a proposal to deploy squadrons of volunteers across the country to combat the mosquito menace and assist government resources.
The same authority had also unanimously approved another proposal to investigate claims of an unprecedented surge in swarms of ‘marble-sized mosquitoes’ in several areas across Bahrain.
Councillors then expressed growing concerns around the biting insect invasion in residential and commercial areas and claimed that even farm and pet animals were not being spared.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif had called for a long-term solution, saying spraying chemicals was only a temporary solution.
Citizens and residents have been urged to take precautionary measures and follow instructions from authorities to protect themselves from mosquito infestations.
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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