A major environmental campaign is aiming to collect huge amounts of plastic waste, alongside other recyclable material, during the annual processions season, with proceeds from the sales going towards helping the disabled.
The nationwide initiative has been spearheaded by the Northern Municipality under the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, in co-operation with the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled.
Northern Municipality director-general Lamya Al Fadhala highlighted the strategic vision behind this year’s campaign, which carries the theme ‘Recycling to Elevate’.
“Through community partnerships, we elevate environmental awareness to new levels each year,” she said, adding that the campaign aims to link environmental consciousness with actionable change.
“This year’s focus on recycling reflects our goal of improving environmental behaviour and promoting responsible waste management as a core component of civil responsibility,” she added.
“What’s special about Ashoora is how it unites the entire community – regardless of faith – around common values like compassion, service and responsibility.
“Through this shared spirit, we are confident in reaching our goal of collecting enough plastic waste to provide urgently needed wheelchairs to Bahrainis with disabilities.”
The target is to generate enough funds to purchase 10 specially-equipped hi-tech wheelchairs, although the amount of funds raised has no limit.
The initiative, now in its 16th year, seeks to promote cleanliness, environmental protection and social solidarity during the commemorations this weekend.
More than 600 ma’atams, 700 mosques, food stalls and processions overseen by the Jaffari Waqf Directorate are participating.
Bahrain’s two sanitation companies, the four governorates, municipal councils and the Interior Ministry are also official partners.
As part of the awareness campaign, the municipality is organising a competition for the best ma’atam in implementing environmental practices, offering recognition to those that excel in waste sorting, recycling, cleanliness and community outreach.
To support participants, the municipality will provide recycling bins and appropriate waste containers for ma’atams and community centres.
An ‘environmental bus’ will also visit venues to provide children with engaging educational sessions and demonstrations on proper recycling practices.
Ms Al Fadhala emphasised the municipality’s commitment to community education.
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Ms Al Fadhala
“We’re investing not only in infrastructure but also in awareness, particularly among the young. The environmental bus will deliver workshops in a modern and interactive way, helping embed these values early on.”
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie stressed the importance of unified efforts in maintaining public cleanliness and environmental protection during the rituals which attracts large crowds and community gatherings.
“Safeguarding our environment is a shared responsibility among institutions, communities and individuals,” he said. “Every year, we see an increasing sense of civic awareness, and more people adopting structured approaches to keeping public spaces clean. This is no longer just a government initiative; it has become a societal commitment.”
“Recycling plays a strategic role in reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. Adopting a clear slogan like ‘Recycling to Elevate’ helps focus our efforts on measurable goals, such as reducing landfill waste and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
“Achieving these shared goals requires ongoing dialogue, structured planning and a strong understanding of both legal requirements and practical procedures.
“We must all commit to the environmental message of the season by establishing proper organisational, administrative and technical systems. Only then can we truly achieve lasting impact and abide by the public cleanliness laws.”
Dr Al Wedaie urged heads of ma’atams and religious centres to participate fully in the campaign, adopt environmentally-responsible practices and submit documentation of their efforts to the municipality after the end of the month of Safar (Islamic month following Muharram).
“Everyone has a role to play – from individuals to institutions – and it’s through collective effort that we can truly uplift the values of environmental stewardship embedded in our society,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Jaffari Waqf (Endowment) Directorate has announced that it will provide shuttle services for people with disabilities and the elderly from Al Sadiq Mosque in Ghufool to Manama and back from 6pm to 3am until Sunday morning.
- For more information on the service contact hotline 80008898.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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