Calls for the daily restocking of rubbish bag vending machines across shopping malls and hypermarkets in Bahrain have intensified, as residents struggle with frequent shortages and malfunctioning devices.
Southern Municipal Council member Abdulla Daraj has urged municipal authorities to ensure that these machines are properly maintained and regularly, citing growing public frustration.
“We are being bombarded with complaints on a daily basis about the machines running out of bags or being ‘out of service’ for days,” said Mr Daraj. “People rely on these machines, and they should not be forced to visit municipality offices, which have the same working hours as them, making it difficult for collection.”
He also raised concerns about the challenges faced by the elderly citizens and those with disabilities, who struggle to reach municipality offices after finding the machines are empty or malfunctioning.
The project was initially developed by engineer Muneera Janahi at the Southern Municipality in 2019 to reduce long queues.
Under the dispensing service, residents are entitled to one packet of 30 garbage bags per month, irrespective of their geographical location. However, the rising demand has put pressure on the system, with councillors arguing that a single monthly packet appears insufficient for many households.
“It is clear that the machines are either not being refilled frequently enough or are being left unattended for days,” said Mr Daraj. “We need a well-managed system where these machines are checked and restocked daily, so residents do not have to struggle.”
With public frustration mounting, councillors are urging the authorities to take immediate action. They stress that without an increase in supply or better maintenance, residents may be forced back to the inconvenient and outdated system of municipality office collection.
Backing Mr Daraj’s call, Northern Municipal Council member Mohammed Al Dossary stressed the need for either increasing the number of machines, ensuring more bags are available, or reinstating the suspended delivery service.
“The demand for these garbage bag dispensers has increased, which is a testament to their success,” said Mr Al Dossary. “However, it is unacceptable that residents frequently find the machines empty or out of order. We need a sustainable solution.”
Citizens should be able to access the bags by entering their CPR number and Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) account number into the 20 Sahl (Easy) garbage bag dispensing machines.
“We must listen to the people,” added Mr Al Dossary. “They are telling us loud and clear – the system is not working efficiently,” he added. “If we do not act now, the purpose of these machines will be lost.
“As the demand for garbage bags continues to grow especially during Ramadan, all eyes are now on the municipal authorities to ensure that Bahrain’s garbage bag distribution system is effective, reliable and accessible to all.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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