RIJAL ALMA': No sooner had the Rijal Alma' Municipality completed setting up the Al-Rabwah recreation park in Al-Sha'bain, in the northern part of the governorate, than it was vandalized, strewn with litter and neglected. Garbage including cigarette butts and charcoal could be seen everywhere. An official source at the municipality blamed visitors to the park who do not throw their litter into dumpsters after spending many hours eating, drinking and having a good time. He said smokers leave charcoal and cigarette butts scattered all over the ground. There are also holes in the ground which are a hazard to children and picnickers. Furthermore, shameful graffiti is scribbled in many places. Engineer Adil Muhammad Aal Ziyad, President of the Municipal Council in the Rijal Alma' Governorate, said the public utilities in the governorate are being subjected to acts of vandalism. “We must put an end to this phenomenon and educate our children about safeguarding public property.” He added that signboards should be erected to create awareness. There should also be joint action from the various authorities to get rid of this negative behavior. A number of visitors to the park expressed discontent about the situation because they want it to be a place where their children can enjoy themselves. They said it has become frequented by vandals and unidentified persons. The children's games have been smashed or broken, posing great danger to their young ones. The toilets are dilapidated and no water is available. They called on the municipality to protect and maintain public parks.
