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Steps are already in place to better regulate the placement of donation boxes across the country that aim to help maintain public order, enhance safety and preserve the urban aesthetic, councillors have been told.
Municipal authorities, in co-ordination with the Social Development Ministry, had carried out extensive inspection campaigns to remove the menace of rogue containers from public spaces.
This initiative seeks to address growing concerns about clutter, traffic hazards and sanitation issues caused by the unregulated spread of authorised collection boxes.
Donation boxes, often placed by charity organisations to collect clothes, shoes, books and other items, have become a common sight. While most of them aim to serve a noble cause, their unauthorised placement has led to community condemnation.
Concerns raised by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa include:
Shaikh Mohammed
- Obstruction of public spaces: Many of these boxes are placed along roadsides, in parking lots and near sidewalks, creating obstacles for pedestrians and drivers. In some cases, they obscure visibility at intersections, posing safety risks.
- Aesthetic concerns: The unregulated distribution of donation boxes has contributed to visual clutter in various neighbourhoods, affecting the overall urban landscape.
- Neglect and poor maintenance: Many collection boxes are not regularly emptied or maintained, leading to overflowing items and scattered litter, increasing municipal clean-up efforts.
- Lack of accountability: With no formal oversight, it is difficult to track which charities are managing the boxes and whether the donations are being used effectively.
“The ministry has been actively working to clear unlicensed collection boxes,” said Shaikh Mohammed, confirming that hundreds of violating boxes have been taken away, and more are being targeted to be disposed of. “We have removed hundreds of violating boxes and continue to remove more,” Shaikh Mohammed added. “The collection boxes are only authorised by the Social Development Ministry in front of the headquarters of charitable societies.”
Councillors during yesterday’s meeting
The directive aligns with the 1996 Public Roads Occupancy Law and the 2019 Public Cleanliness Law, both of which mandate proper authorisation for placing structures in public spaces and highlight the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order.
Shaikh Mohammed’s comments came in response to a proposal by the Northern Municipal Council to lease specific municipal properties for charity collection boxes. The move had been made by council member Mohammed Al Dossary who believed that it would strike a balance between supporting charities and addressing environmental concerns.
“Charity organisations would be required to obtain official permits and adhere to regulations regarding box placement and maintenance,” said Mr Al Dossary. “By allocating designated areas for collection, the authorities could prevent obstructions and ensure that public spaces remain tidy.
Mr Al Dossary
“Registered charities would be responsible for maintaining the boxes and ensuring that donated items reach intended beneficiaries efficiently. Strategically placed donation points would make it easier for residents to contribute while keeping neighbourhoods orderly.”
Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie agreed that Bahrain needed a more structured and sustainable approach to charity collections but feared that by putting restrictions on charities may rub people up the wrong way. “Charities need a continuous flow of income and those boxes are a source,” he said. “We should appreciate the needs of charities and shouldn’t put hurdles in front of them, while still taking into account public cleanliness, tidiness and organisation. Some small charities may struggle with leasing fees, potentially limiting their ability to collect donations.
Dr Al Wedaie
“The government’s focus on balancing humanitarian efforts with urban planning reflects its commitment to fostering a clean, safe and organised environment for all residents.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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