SALALAH: The Khareef season in Dhofar Governorate is a time of natural beauty, attracting both locals and tourists to the governorate. However, with this seasonal influx comes the challenge of managing the significant increase in municipal solid waste (MSW). The latest data for July 2024 reveals the substantial quantities of waste generated across the various Wilayats within the governorate, highlighting the ongoing efforts and operations required to manage this critical aspect of urban maintenance.
Salalah, the main administrative city of Dhofar and the primary hub during the Khareef season, unsurprisingly tops the list, generating a significant 25,708 tonnes of waste in July alone. This figure reflects the city’s dense population and the influx of tourists. Following Salalah, Mirbat and Taqah generated 3,780 tonnes and 2,039 tonnes respectively, indicating their roles as significant urban centers within the governorate.
Other Wilayats, such as Thamrait (817 tonnes) and Shaleem (742 tonnes), also contributed to the overall waste management burden, though to a lesser extent. Smaller wilayats like Sadah (565 tonnes), Al Mazyouna (317 tonnes), Rakhyout (211 tonnes), Dalkout (99 tonnes), and Mughsin (33 tonnes) reported lower figures, corresponding to their smaller populations and limited tourist activities.
To cope with the demands of waste management during the Khareef season, extensive resources were mobilized. The operations in July 2024 involved 526 personnel and 142 pieces of equipment, covering an impressive total of 527,673 kilometers without any accidents—a testament to the efficiency and safety of the operations conducted by Be'ah, the company responsible for waste management in Oman.
The total amount of MSW received during this period reached 34,313 tonnes, with a daily average of 1,107 tonnes. This figure represents a significant increase of 20% compared to July 2023, which saw a daily average of 923 tonnes. This surge in waste generation likely reflects the growing number of visitors to Dhofar during the Khareef season, coupled with the ongoing urbanization of the region.
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