Qatar along the whole world will mark World Cleanup Day today. Qatar will not only celebrate an international day just as an event rather the country has practically taken a number of decisions and initiatives to mark every day of the year as cleanup day.
Qatar promulgated new Public Hygiene Law in 2018 that ensured harsh punishments for breaking the rules, including huge fines of up to QR25,000. The law prohibits dumping, abandoning and waste disposal in public places, fields, roads, streets, corridors, alleys, sidewalks, squares, parks, picnic places, beaches, plot of land, rooftop of buildings, walls, balconies, skylights, corridors, squares, facades of homes and buildings, parking lots adjacent to these buildings sidewalks and other places, both public and private. Littering with drinks cans or cigarette butts, discarding newspapers or food packaging in public places, throwing items from moving vehicles on the highway, and polluting beaches with any items of junk – are some examples of minor violations which will incur a QR500 fine.
On the eve of World Cleanup Day, Minister of Municipality and Environment H E Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie affirmed that social awareness and cooperation of all state agencies are the main support for achieving the Ministry’s strategic goals and plans towards a clean and ideal life that contributes and supports sustainable development, and preserves future generations’ opportunities and related matters in Qatar National Vision 2030. He said that all sectors of the Ministry, especially the public services sector represented by the General Cleanliness Department, are working according to ambitious strategic plans that combine the acquisition of modern technologies and the efficiency of manpower with community awareness and support for positive values and cooperation in this regard.
He added that the Ministry is also working to encourage individual and institutional initiatives, and to create a good atmosphere to develop the state’s capabilities in the fields of waste recycling and waste treatment, stressing the support of the wise leadership of this sector and the provision of all requirements according to a clear vision of sustainable development.
Meanwhile, in line with its strong belief in the importance of protecting Qatari heritage and surrounding areas, Qatar Museums has signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, represented by Al Shamal Municipality, and the Seashore Contracting and Engineering Group, to clean the coastlines of cultural villages across the country. Based on the agreement, the three parties will cooperate over a one-year period to roll out a programme aimed at cleaning the coastlines of cultural villages, starting with the ancient city of Al Zubarah. The parties to the agreement will provide support for volunteers and participants in the initiative.
