A LARGE-SCALE clean-up campaign has been launched in the Saddad area to remove tonnes of illegally dumped waste and construction debris that had piled up along a key highway corridor.
The effort, spearheaded by Northern Municipal Council member and area councillor Zainab Al Durazi, aims to address growing concerns about public health, safety and the visual impact of unchecked dumping in the region.
The clean-up operation began yesterday and is focused on stretches of land flanking the Zaid bin Omaira Highway, stretching from Hamala and Saddad.
Photos before and after the clean-up
For months, the area had become a hotspot for indiscriminate dumping of household waste, discarded furniture and large quantities of building rubble – most of which, according to officials, have no identifiable sources.
“There are piles of rubbish and building refuse across both sides of the highway that no one could be held accountable for,” said Ms Al Durazi during an inspection of the area.
Ms Al Durazi
“It has become an eyesore and a serious threat to the environment and road safety. These illegal dumping grounds not only damage the landscape but also encourage further violations.”
The location – a relatively secluded corridor with stretches of unmonitored open land – has proven ideal for rogue dumpers who often operate under the cover of darkness.
Ms Al Durazi highlighted the challenges of enforcement and surveillance in curbing these activities.
“The nearest surveillance cameras are in Safriya and it has been difficult to track down offenders when their lights are off and dumping at night,” she explained.
“We have reports and even images from residents showing vans and trucks dumping at odd hours, but without registration numbers or visual evidence of the perpetrators, it becomes nearly impossible to pursue legal action.”
The clean-up initiative is being carried out jointly by the Northern Municipality and Urbaser Bahrain, the waste management contractor tasked with municipal cleaning services in the area.
Heavy-duty trucks and loaders were deployed and operations are expected to continue over the next several days until the area is fully cleared.
“Urbaser has been responsive to our requests, and we are grateful for their swift mobilisation,” said Ms Al Durazi.
“However, unless we get to the root of the problem – which is lack of deterrents, proper monitoring and public awareness – the rubbish will be back in a matter of weeks.”
The councillor also called for urgent improvements in surveillance coverage and stricter penalties for violators.
“We need to install cameras along this entire stretch of highway and increase random municipal patrols, especially during night hours. The current situation emboldens violators who know they won’t get caught. That needs to change,” she said.
Ms Al Durazi also stressed the importance of community involvement and corporate responsibility in keeping the area clean.
“This is not just about enforcement. We need everyone – contractors, residents and businesses – to be part of the solution. Contractors should dispose of building waste legally at approved dumping sites. Residents should report any suspicious activity. If we all play our part, we can preserve the beauty and health of our environment.”
The council is also considering legislation that would mandate GPS tracking for construction vehicles and require waste disposal certification for contractors completing projects in residential areas.
Until such measures are in place, Ms Al Durazi stressed that the clean-up drive will remain a temporary fix.
“I’m proud of the efforts taken today, but I cannot call it a success until the dumping stops completely,” she said.
“Saddad deserves better – our residents deserve clean, safe and dignified surroundings.”
The Northern Municipality has also committed to installing new signage along the route warning against illegal dumping, along with publishing a hotline for public reports. Future plans include converting cleaned-up sites into green buffer zones or community recreational areas.
As work crews continue to remove waste from the affected zones, Ms Al Durazi hopes this initiative serves as a wake-up call.
“This campaign is a message,” she said.
“We will not tolerate environmental abuse – and we are watching.”
Residents in the area have welcomed the campaign and echoed Ms Al Durazi’s concerns.
One Saddad homeowner, who preferred not to be named, said: “Every day I drive past mounds of garbage and broken tiles; it’s embarrassing and dangerous. I’m glad they’re doing something, but we really need long-term solutions.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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