Muscat Municipality to expand underground waste system

MUSCAT: As part of the efforts being taken by Muscat Municipality to complete its development plans and programmes, the municipality has recently implemented the underground waste bins project in Al Sarooj neighbourhood and Qurum commercial district. The project is aimed at keeping pace with the modern methods of waste management to maintain the civilised appearance of the city and protect the public health. The project involved distribution of two to four containers in each location. Supply and installation of underground containers for waste collection services was implemented for the first time in the Sultanate at the central business district (CBD) and Muttrah business district (MBD). As many as 108 waste bins had been installed at several locations in these two areas since the start of the testing phase three years ago following which the project will be extended to other areas. Refuse has to be deposited in the receiver unit at the street level and it goes straight into a container encased in a metal frame and sunk inside a concrete sleeve. The garbage collection vehicles will empty the containers everyday using hydraulic lifts. The new waste disposal system is also part of Muscat Municipality’s beautification project to complement the Sultanate’s drive to attract more tourists. — ONA