Stronger community action to strengthen public hygiene and raise awareness about civic responsibility has been urged by municipal officials.
A joint strategy to promote responsible behaviour, influence public attitudes and enforce impactful policies is set to be introduced in the Northern Governorate.
The move was announced during a forum on public cleanliness organised by the Northern Municipal Council at its headquarters in Budaiya.
The session, inaugurated by council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, was attended by Northern Municipality director-general Lamya Al Fadhala, senior government officials, representatives of service agencies and community-based organisations.
“Cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of the municipality,” said Dr Al Wedaie.
“It is a social obligation. We all share responsibility – residents, institutions and government agencies.
“This forum is a call to action to create a cultural shift, not just regulatory enforcement.”
He highlighted the importance of behavioural change and strategic collaboration between religious leaders, media outlets and civil society institutions.
“We must empower mosques, schools, media and social clubs to become proactive partners in building environmentally responsible communities.
“We are not just reacting to problems; we are laying the groundwork for long-term cultural transformation.
“Cleanliness is not an event; it’s a way of life.”
Dr Al Wedaie appealed to community societies, local clubs and grassroots organisations to step up their involvement in ensuring environmental hygiene and maintaining the visual integrity of public spaces.
These groups, he noted, were crucial in amplifying awareness, reporting violations and mentoring future generations.
“We reaffirm commitment to organise more such platforms to enhance dialogue, accountability and collaboration in service of a cleaner and healthier Bahrain.”
Ms Al Fadhala stressed the importance of continuous oversight and civic engagement.
“We are committed to enforcing municipal regulations, but lasting impact requires community co-operation. Every citizen must see themselves as a guardian of their environment,” she said.
“We are improving monitoring systems and intensifying our awareness campaigns, but the real change starts at the grassroots level – with every household, every business and every youth group.”
The session outlined the causes behind violations, including lack of awareness, weak enforcement and limited co-ordination between stakeholders. The forum also reaffirmed the legal framework governing public hygiene in Bahrain. According to the 2019 Cleanliness Law:
l Littering is punishable with fines ranging from BD50 to BD300.
l Illegal transportation of rubbish or hazardous materials without a licence or appropriate equipment may incur fines between BD500 and BD1,000.
l Public urination, spitting or improper disposal of household waste and furniture can result in fines of BD50 to BD300.
l Abandoning scrap vehicles in public areas is also subject to municipal penalties.
Meanwhile, the session celebrated the Northern Municipality being awarded the prestigious Gold Shield for excellence in customer service.
This recognition, officials said, was a testament to the municipality’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality services to the public.
During the event, the council showcased live footage highlighting violations of public cleanliness rules.
For its part, Urbaser Bahrain – the company responsible for sanitation services – presented visuals demonstrating the procedural and executive mechanisms deployed to maintain cleanliness across the region.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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