Abu Dhabi - During Iftar and Suhoor periods, waste collection and transportation were ramped up.
Published: Mon 18 May 2020, 2:29 PM
Updated: Mon 18 May 2020, 4:44 PM
Nearly 47 tonnes of waste have been collected in Abu Dhabi during the first half of Ramadan - or an average of 3.11 tonnes every day, authorities said on Monday.
The Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) has stepped up collection efforts and clean-up operations as the amount of waste generated went up by five per cent during the holy month.
Tadweer teams have been working round the clock to transfer waste from more than 150,000 containers to approved disposal and treatment sites.
Keeping the city clean is a top priority especially in the middle of the coronavirus situation. So, as Tadweer anticipated an increase in the volume of trash this holy month, timely waste collection and treatment were ensured as part of a solid action plan.
During Iftar and Suhoor periods, waste collection and transportation were ramped up. A team of 7,000 supervisors, drivers, cleaners and sweepers also worked in shifts, in line with Covid-19 precautionary measures.
Dr Salem Al Kaabi, general manager of Tadweer, said: "Tadweer has developed an efficient action plan for the holy month of Ramadan as the emirate is going through difficult times due to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Our teams are highly qualified, trained, and equipped to achieve the objective of Abu Dhabi government in creating a safe and sustainable environment."
Significant efforts were also directed towards ensuring cleanliness at Covid testing centres in Al Wathba, Mussafah, Madinat Zayed City in Al Dhafra and Al Hili in Al Ain City. Besides providing dedicated containers to these centres, Tadweer's teams rapidly collect and treat medical waste to prevent risks to public health and environment.
Al Kaabi added: "While the measures taken by the emirate have promoted social distancing during the holy month, Tadweer has adopted an innovative approach to raise environmental awareness. The centre used electronic news portals, bulletins, and social media channels to disseminate guidelines on general hygiene and educate the public about the proper handling of household wast.
"In carrying out this awareness drive, we have highlighted the importance of rationalising consumption, segregating waste, and reducing food waste given its far-reaching environmental, economic and social implications."
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
A Staff Reporter
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