Despite the Mayor's Office assertions that it has increased cleaning operations in Ramadan, particularly in densely populated areas and places of commerce, the reality is there are many piles of garbage all around the city. Environmentalists and specialists warned that leaving garbage in dumpsters in the streets for long periods without proper disposal is a threat to human health because this attracts mice and insects. Residents want better cleaning especially in districts where there are many piles of garbage. There are different levels of cleanliness in various districts including Madaen Alfahd, Sulaimaniya, Jamea, Meshrifa, Bani Malek, Al-Rehab and Al-Safa. Residents want the Mayor's Office to punish any contracted cleaning company failing to fulfill its duty. Dr. Abdulqader Tankal, Assistant Undersecretary for Services at the Mayor's Office, said previously that the office had set out a plan for Ramadan that involves more garbage removal efforts and more workers all over the city, including areas where many people congregate in Ramadan like markets, the Corniche and Al-Balad. “Besides the fact they pose a danger to people's health and would result in different diseases, garbage left for hours in dumpsters in neighborhoods reflects an uncivilized image of a city that is trying to cope with development,” said Dr. Abdulrahman Hamza Kammas, an environmentalist and former director of environment at the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment. “Unfortunately these problems occur every year, especially in Ramadan when the times for collecting garbage are changed,” he said. Rats now reproduce in some areas of the city where the conditions are suitable for them, he added. Kammas stressed the importance of reconsidering the times for collecting garbage (by cleaning companies that empty dumpsters) and the locations of dumpsters, especially as these garbage receptacles are always open. He cited Dubai, which “deals with garbage in a classy way; at each dumpster's location there would be three conjoined receptacles for home garbage, waste glass and waste paper,” he said. This is for recycling purposes, he added. Dr. Naif Al-Shalhoub, Director of the Information Awareness Department at the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, said dealing with garbage must be done in a scientific manner. “The piles of garbage we see sitting for periods of time makes one wonder if the flaw is with the mayoralty or with society's awareness,” he said. “I think they are both responsible. Some families throw their garbage at the side of the dumpster, not in it, and that gives rats and cats easy food.” Dr. Elham Talat Qattan, a virus consultant, warned about the dangers of mice. “Mice are very smart and capable of leaving huge new generations behind. Their danger lies in their transmission of serious diseases that infect the digestive and respiratory systems.” __
