Municipal Councils Take Proactive Measures to Combat Rainwater Accumulation and Mosquito Breeding

Daily Tribune

18-03-2025

As part of a comprehensive preventive plan, the Capital Municipality and the three municipal councils of Muharraq, Northern, and Southern Governorates, in coordination with executive bodies, have undertaken proactive initiatives to drain rainwater before and during the rainy season. These efforts aim to reduce water accumulation and curb mosquito breeding by regularly cleaning rainwater drainage channels, removing debris and waste from public spaces, and clearing overgrown vegetation that may obstruct water flow. These measures have significantly improved drainage efficiency and minimized stagnant water accumulation.
Eng. Saleh Taher Taradah, Chairman of the Capital Municipality Council, emphasized the council's commitment to addressing rainwater accumulation points to mitigate environmental and health risks. He stated that, in coordination with relevant authorities, the council continuously monitors mosquito breeding hotspots through public complaints submitted via phone or the national 'Tawasul' platform, along with regular field visits by council members and staff.
Taradah added that detailed reports on affected sites are submitted to the relevant authorities for appropriate action, contributing to environmental improvement, public health protection, and sustainable development goals.
Dr. Sayed Shubber Ibrahim Al-Wadaei, Chairman of the Northern Municipal Council, highlighted the significance of the rainy season, stressing that municipal councils take into account its social, environmental, and sanitation impacts. He affirmed that proactive measures are implemented to mitigate emergency rainfall effects.
Al-Wadaei stated that the Northern Municipal Council prioritizes early preparedness for the rainy season and mosquito control by holding regular consultative meetings with relevant executive bodies. These meetings discuss solutions for water accumulation and mosquito proliferation, establishing clear procedural and coordination frameworks for emergency response. This approach has been integrated into the council's 2025 rainy season preparation plan.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Abdulatif, Chairman of the Southern Municipal Council, noted that based on past experiences, the council initiates preparations before the rainy season by holding a series of coordination meetings with government agencies responsible for rainwater drainage. Comprehensive emergency plans and water drainage mechanisms are devised, addressing pre-identified flood-prone areas. Dedicated water suction tankers are deployed on a structured schedule under direct field monitoring. A central control room is also activated to manage operations in real-time, prioritizing high-risk locations to ensure efficient and rapid response.
Abdulatif added that rainwater drainage significantly contributes to mosquito control, with continuous monitoring of stagnant water sites to prevent insect breeding. He commended the effective coordination with the Ministry of Health, which operates a hotline to track water accumulation and mosquito egg clusters before and after rainfall. Proactive plans, developed in collaboration with concerned authorities, have yielded positive results this year, with data indicating a 98% decrease in mosquito populations in Wadi Al Buhair compared to the previous year.
Eng. Saleh Bouhazza, Vice Chairman of the Muharraq Municipal Council, expressed appreciation for the efforts of relevant authorities during the rainy season. He acknowledged that heavy rainfall posed a significant challenge for the council, municipality, and residents. However, the council acted early by implementing necessary measures, including cleaning stormwater drains and ensuring full preparedness to mitigate potential issues arising from water accumulation.
'We implemented a comprehensive plan to address public concerns and manage rainwater in streets and public areas. Work teams were equipped with the necessary tools to ensure efficient and swift drainage operations. Continuous coordination with relevant authorities was maintained to guarantee high-performance water suction operations,' Bouhazza explained.
He further emphasized that the council remains committed to combating mosquito spread by identifying breeding sites and maintaining constant coordination with relevant agencies for systematic spraying operations. Additionally, the municipal council seeks to enhance community awareness about the importance of maintaining residential area cleanliness as a fundamental part of collective efforts to reduce mosquito proliferation.