Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) launched a two-month awareness campaign to educate farm owners and workers in the emirate on the most suitable methods of collection and disposal of farm waste.
Running from September to December 2018, the campaign includes field visits to several farms in Al Wathba, Al Bahia, Al Ajban, Al Khatim, Al Taiba, Al Razeen and Al Wafiya areas. During the visits, Tadweer’s personnel distribute booklets in four different languages to educate farm owners and workers on public health risks associated with the pile-up of waste in farms including disease outbreaks. The center has also planned workshops for farm owners and workers during the upcoming Al Dhafra Camel Festival.
Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Acting Director General of Recycling at Tadweer, said: "This campaign is aligned with our vision to become a world leader in sustainable waste management and pest control by 2030. In achieving this priority, it reinforces Tadweer’s commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the emirate of Abu Dhabi through adopting the highest international standards in integrated waste management.”
He added: “Through this campaign, we are educating farm owners and workers about the imperative need to ensure regular pest controlling at farms to prevent the spread of diseases. Farm workers can gain an understanding of the safest ways of disposing of agricultural and green waste in order to protect their own health and well-being and preserve Abu Dhabi’s environment.”
Through targeting farm owners and workers as well as the residents of surrounding areas, the campaign seeks to prevent the pollution caused by random dumping of farm waste and dead animals on streets and roads, which poses a serious health and environmental hazard.
Furthermore, Tadweer plans to host a series of training sessions in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre, offering useful tips on maintaining the general cleanliness of farms.
Should farm owners or workers find a dead animal on their premises, they can contact Tadweer to request the collection of the carcass. Tadweer transports the carcasses, based on their size and type, to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
Al Kaabi also urged members of the public to contact Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre at 800 555 to report any violations and random disposal of agricultural waste and animal carcasses on streets and roads as well as the proliferation of mosquitoes and other public health pests and insects.