The statement added: “Based on the responsibility of protecting public safety and ensuring the effectiveness of preventive intervention plans implemented by the Ministry of Public Works’ emergency teams around the clock, the two ministries will adopt a series of organizational and deterrent measures, including apprehending and fining violators, strengthening coordination with relevant authorities, and holding legally accountable those who are negligent regarding any breach of safe waste management.”
The statement explained that “the Ministry of Public Works and Transport clarifies that its field teams, permanently deployed in hotspots, are working on immediate intervention and addressing any emergency. Over the past few days, they have recorded that most cases of water accumulation are due to drains being blocked by waste accumulated around them, which confirms that the effectiveness of the drainage network is directly linked to the extent of commitment to waste management in its vicinity.” In other words, the ministry indicated that the immediate intervention of its teams addresses any emergency, and that the main reason for water accumulation is the blockage of drains by waste.
The statement also called: “In parallel, the two ministries call on municipalities, the Council for Development and Reconstruction, and waste collection and sweeping contractors to follow up intensively, increase the frequency of waste collection, and enhance the deployment of containers in designated locations along highways, to prevent their accumulation and drift towards drains during heavy rains.”
The statement warned: “They also warn against the exacerbation of the phenomenon of “Nakkisheh” (waste pickers), whose tampering with the contents of containers leads to the scattering of waste outside them, which exacerbates the problem of blockage and reduces the effectiveness of technical interventions.” That is, the two ministries warned of the danger of rummaging through waste and its impact on blockages.
The statement continued: “While the two ministries emphasize that the success of the Ministry of Public Works’ plans is linked to the integration of the role of all parties, they affirm that the current stage requires full commitment to managing the waste file, and that any negligence will be met with clear legal measures to protect public safety and prevent the recurrence of avoidable floods.” The statement affirmed that full cooperation is necessary for the success of the ministry’s plans, and that any negligence will be met with legal measures.
The statement concluded by saying: “The two ministries renew their call to citizens to fully adhere to waste disposal locations, in a way that preserves the safety of roads and enhances the effectiveness of the joint national effort aimed at reducing the repercussions of future depressions and ensuring permanent readiness for rainwater drainage networks.” The statement called on citizens to commit to throwing waste in designated places to preserve roads and enhance preparedness to face the repercussions of weather depressions.
