22-07-2025
Public Health Victory : Maqsha Dump Cleared of 107 Loads, Chemical Waste Still on Site
Over a hundred truckloads of waste have been cleared from an illegal dump in Maqsha and hauled to the official landfill in Askar, following concerns over its impact on public health and the daily lives of nearby residents.
The clean-up began on 10 July under the supervision of the Northern Municipality and in coordination with the area's municipal council.
Inspection
Council Chairman Dr. Sayed Shuber Ebrahim Al Wadaei said the work followed an inspection on 30 June that found the site posed serious risks to residents.
By 21 July, a total of 107 shipments had been removed.
Dr. Al Wadaei said this came after repeated requests from residents and community figures who had been seeking assurance that proper steps were being taken.
Operation
On 16 July, Dr. Al Wadaei visited the area to meet the municipal inspector responsible for the operation. He reported that a large volume of rubbish had already been removed, along with various makeshift structures and fences which, he said, could have been misused.
However, chemical containers still remain on site and have not yet been dealt with.
Talks and Responsibility
Talks are under way with the relevant environmental body to agree on a practical course of action. An official letter has also been sent to the landowner, calling on them to cover the cost of removing the chemical containers.
Dr. Al Wadaei explained that their disposal must be carried out by a licensed company in line with Law No. 7 of 2022 on the Environment, and that such operations require a specific budget.
He also clarified that the municipality, the council, and the environmental authority are not responsible for the cost.
