A call for community engagement in cleanliness efforts went out from a municipal chief yesterday.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abullatif stressed that cleanliness was not the responsibility of workers alone.
He made the remarks as he met Urbaser Bahrain’s board of directors vice-chairman Ahmed Al Khan to discuss the development of public cleanliness services and the enhancement of environmental awareness among residents.
The meeting was within the council’s framework of institutional collaboration and mutual efforts to improve municipal services. The two sides agreed on the importance of launching new media campaigns and public initiatives aimed at enhancing environmental awareness and encouraging civic behaviour.
These efforts are designed to build a stronger societal sense of responsibility for public hygiene and to inspire Bahrain’s citizens and residents to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
“The heavy reliance on cleaners is unjustified,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“People, not cleaners, should be the core of cleanliness initiatives, campaigns and projects,” he added. “Their role should be to support the community’s efforts, not to carry the full burden.”
This powerful statement highlights the chairman’s belief in a shift towards a community-centred approach to cleanliness.
According to Mr Abdullatif, community drives, educational campaigns and awareness initiatives must go hand in hand with municipal and contractual efforts to elevate the standards of cleanliness in Bahrain.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of regular co-ordination between the council, the Southern Municipality and Urbaser Bahrain (the cleaning service provider).
Such co-ordination was essential for aligning objectives, improving services and achieving seamless integration between planning and execution.
“The future of Bahrain’s environment is a shared responsibility,” Mr Abdullatif stressed.
“By nurturing positive behaviours today, we’re laying the foundation for a cleaner, healthier kingdom for generations to come.”
Mr Abdullatif pointed out that Bahrain continues to grow and develop with the importance of environmental responsibility and public hygiene becoming more crucial than ever.
He renewed calls for citizens to take initiative and partner with their municipalities, not just to demand cleaner streets, but to actively participate in making them so.
“By fostering partnerships between the public, municipal bodies, and private service providers, Bahrain can continue to raise the bar in public cleanliness standards and environmental sustainability,” said Mr Abdulaltif.
During the meeting, both sides affirmed the importance of intensifying awareness campaigns aimed at instilling a culture of cleanliness.
They highlighted that maintaining public hygiene is a shared social responsibility and a civilised value that reflects the identity of the nation.
One of the main themes of the discussion was the strategic role municipal council members play as a vital bridge between citizens and service providers, particularly in the field of cleanliness.
Mr Abdullatif pointed out that it was imperative for elected council members to continue communicating the concerns and aspirations of residents, which contributes to the ongoing improvement in the quality of services.
The meeting also touched upon the necessity of enforcing cleanliness laws rigorously against violators in order to maintain environmental standards and the civil image of the kingdom.
Mr Al Khan reaffirmed Urbaser Bahrain’s full commitment to bolster constructive co-operation with municipal councils, considering them a key partner in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in cleanliness and waste management.
Urbaser Bahrain provides cleanliness services to the Southern and Northern governorates besides handling the landfill site in Hafeera, while Gulf City Cleaning Company provides services to the Capital and Muharraq governorates.
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