Dubai removes 7,205 ton waste in four days

By PMA RASHEED 

The Gulf Today, 1 Nov 2010

A massive volume of litter estimated at 7,205 tonnes was removed in four days from different parts of Dubai, revealed the civic body.

A total of 61 abandoned vehicles were removed from different parts of the city during the UAE’s largest clean-up operation “Clean up the World 2010,” carried out by Dubai Municipality (DM) across the Emirate between Oct.26 and 29.

A total of 73 pieces of bulk garbage such as furniture, air-conditioners and refrigerators were also collected, according to a senior DM official.

Hassan Makki, Director of Waste Management Department at the DM, said that bachelor accommodation locations in Al Quoz, Nadd Al Hamr, Al Khawaneej, Al Aweer area behind Defence camp and Al Qusais labour camp were mainly targeted in the drive.

“Huge amounts of waste were removed from industrial areas, Jebel Ali Port Free Zone area, Jaddaf Fishermen’s Village, Jumeirah-1 Fishermen’s Village, Ras Al Khor Natural Sanctuary and Heritage Village,” he added.

“Among the city’s leisure destinations, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim open beaches, Hatta Tourist areas, Diving Beach and Creek, Nadd Al Shiba and desert area in Wadi Al Amradi were sanitised,” pointed out Makki.

According to him, as many as 30,170 volunteers from several government and non-government organisations, community groups, schools and private firms joined hands to clean up the city’s streets.

“Indian and Filipino communities in Dubai sent in the largest number of volunteers in cleaning Jaddaf and other areas. Other communities also made their contributions,” he said.

“About 33 companies had lent machinery for towing away vehicles abandoned by owners in different parts of the city,” he added.

The 4-day clean-up campaign was launched on Oct.26 at Jumeirah Beach Residence by Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of the DM.

“23,792 volunteers from 402 private companies, NGOs, community groups, associations, clubs, and hotels, and 17 government departments cleaned up beaches, streets, open areas and several key sites,” noted Makki.
“In addition, 6,378 students from 45 government schools and colleges and 37 private schools and universities participated in the campaign,” he added.