A massive clean-up campaign covering cemeteries across Bahrain’s Northern Governorate is being planned in a co-ordinated push to restore their appearance, improve cleanliness and establish a more sustainable system for their upkeep.
The initiative was proposed yesterday at a joint meeting between the Northern Municipal Council and specialists from the General Directorate of Jaffari Affairs, with officials discussing preparations, equipment, logistics and community participation.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Al Wedaie stressed that careful planning would be key to ensuring the campaign delivers lasting results.
“The cleanliness and dignity of our cemeteries is a shared responsibility. This campaign is not simply a one-day clean-up effort, but an opportunity to establish a more organised and sustainable approach to caring for cemeteries across the Northern Governorate,” he said.
Dr Al Wedaie said preparations must begin well ahead of the campaign, with responsibilities clearly divided between participating authorities, and all necessary equipment and resources secured.
“We want the campaign to be organised, effective and meaningful, with clear roles for every participating body. Most importantly, we want the work to continue beyond the campaign through regular monitoring and maintenance,” he added.
The campaign is also expected to place a strong emphasis on community involvement, with residents encouraged to play an active role in preserving the cleanliness and dignity of burial grounds.
Dr Al Wedaie said public awareness would be an important part of the initiative.
Dr Al Wedaie, second from left, with officials during the meeting
“Our cemeteries are places of remembrance and respect. Protecting their cleanliness should become an established community culture, and we hope to see families, residents and volunteers working alongside the authorities in this important effort,” he said.
The General Directorate of Jaffari Affairs confirmed that it would provide the equipment and tools required for the clean-up, while overseeing key organisational and logistical arrangements.
Further co-ordination will be planned with the Northern Municipality and the responsible cleaning company – Urbaser Bahrain – to identify the technical assistance and services required to support the operation.
Officials are also establishing a clear timetable and implementation mechanism to ensure the campaign is executed in a structured and sustainable manner, rather than as an isolated initiative.
A dedicated media and awareness drive will accompany the clean-up, highlighting its objectives, encouraging public participation and promoting messages about maintaining cemetery cleanliness.
Dr Al Wedaie said the ultimate goal is to move towards a long-term maintenance programme.
“This is about creating a lasting culture of care. We want to move from periodic attention to a system where the needs of our cemeteries are identified, addressed and followed up regularly,” he said.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue co-ordination between the relevant authorities and complete the organisational, logistical, awareness and media preparations ahead of the campaign.
Dr Al Wedaie stressed that the initiative could mark one of the most comprehensive co-ordinated efforts to improve cemetery cleanliness across the Northern Governorate, combining official resources with community participation to protect the dignity of these important sites.
According to the Bahrain Open Data Portal, there are 103 cemeteries across the four governorates.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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