A total of 107 truckloads of hazardous waste and debris have been removed from an illegal dump site in the village of Meqsha in Northern Governorate, as part of a massive clean-up campaign.
The operation, led by the Northern Municipal Council and supervised by multiple government bodies, began on July 10 and concluded yesterday.
It followed an inspection that revealed alarming quantities of waste and growing concern over its potential impact on public health, particularly in nearby residential areas.
The site had reportedly been used for years to store chemical containers, sewage-related substances, household garbage and construction debris, with no authorisation or compliance with environmental or municipal regulations.
Northern Municipal Council chairman and area councillor Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie confirmed the scale of the effort and condemned the violations as more than just a breach of municipal regulations.
Clean-up work as documented by municipal officials on July 16, 2025
“This is not just a matter of poor waste management, it is a serious environmental crime,” Dr Al Wedaie said.
“The sheer volume and type of materials found at the site pose a severe threat to residents and the environment, especially with dangerous sewage chemicals stored in proximity to homes.”
He revealed that the individual responsible has already been referred to the criminal court following a complaint filed by the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE).
“There was a blatant disregard for the law and public safety,” Dr Al Wedaie added.
“We must send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in Bahrain.”
The clean-up was spearheaded by the Northern Municipality, in collaboration with the SCE, Health Ministry, Northern Governorate Police Directorate, Urbaser Bahrain, the Jaffari Endowments Directorate and local community leaders. It came after officials found several violations following an inspection on June 30.
“Between July 10 and yesterday, we successfully removed 107 truckloads of accumulated waste and dangerous materials from the illegal landfill,” said Dr Al Wedaie. “This includes not only chemical containers and sewage residues, but also materials that could have easily been exploited for criminal or suspicious activity.”
As part of the operation, unauthorised structures and containment areas were also demolished to prevent further illegal use of the site.
Dr Al Wedaie, left, inspecting the premises
Dr Al Wedaie added that special attention was given to the removal of chemical barrels, which posed an explosion risk during the demolition phase. He added that some of the chemical substances stored at the site were highly volatile, requiring specialised handling and removal, which is currently being arranged.
“In accordance with the Environment Law No 7 of 2022, the removal of highly chemical and hazardous materials must follow strict legal and technical protocols,” he explained.
“This is not something that can be handled by regular cleaning crews, it needs certified hazardous waste disposal professionals.”
Co-ordination is underway with environmental authorities to appoint a licensed company for the disposal of the chemical substances. However, this operation comes with a financial burden.
“This task falls outside the responsibilities of the municipal executive body or the environmental agencies involved,” said Dr Al Wedaie. “Therefore, the owner of the land must bear full financial responsibility for the removal of hazardous waste and for restoring the site to a safe condition – especially considering the risks posed to children and families living nearby.”
A truck carrying debris from the site
The property, originally leased from the Jaffari Waqf Directorate in 1999 under a 25-year agreement that expired last year, has since been used without authorisation. The land was illegally occupied, and structures were erected without permits or environmental approvals.
Following the uncovering of these violations, the matter was referred to the Public Prosecution, with official complaints filed by the SCE and others concerned including the ministries of Oil and Environment, Municipalities Affairs, Health, Interior, Justice, and Electricity and Water Affairs.
The Chief Prosecutor for Ministries and Public Entities confirmed that the case was now before the criminal court. The accused faces multiple charges related to violating environmental protection laws and endangering public safety.
Despite the progress made in waste removal, Dr Al Wedaie said that no definitive timeline has been set for the restoration of the site due to the complexity of chemical clean-up operations.
Dr Al Wedaie, right, during the clean-up drive
“We are committed to returning this area to a safe and environmentally sound condition, no matter how long it takes,” he said. “What matters most is the health and security of our citizens.”
This is not the first time the site has come under scrutiny – in June 2020, a clean-up campaign was organised following complaints from residents.
Going forward, the council intends to step up inspections and co-ordinate with endowment bodies to prevent unauthorised use of religious trust properties.
“We will continue to act decisively against any violations that threaten our environment, our neighbourhoods, and our people,” Dr Al Wedaie affirmed.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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