Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi Launches Cleanliness Drive and Pest Control Campaign

• Combs 8,700 Potential Breeding Sites in Western Region
• Initiative to Span Entire Emirate

Abu Dhabi-UAE: October 6, 2013 - The Center of Waste Management-Abu Dhabi (CWM) has announced the launch of a cleanliness drive and pest-control campaign to combat seasonal diseases that annually witness a spurt during the months of October and November due to flies and mosquito breeding.

The campaign commenced in key areas of the Western Region, including Zayed City, the harbor, Liwa, Gayathi, Silaa, Dalma Island and Sir Bani Yas, as well as Dabayaa and Aryam Island. The initiative will eventually be extended to three other regions to cover the entire emirate of Abu Dhabi.

As part of the implementation of the campaign in the Western Region, nearly 8,700 potential breeding sites for mosquitoes were surveyed, including farms, ranches, and stagnant rain water run-off. A survey carried out at these sites indicated a 0.25% positive incidence of Anopheles mosquitoes breeding and 0.3% positive incidence of Culex mosquitoes that spread diseases such as the West Nile virus and filariasis. A 0.13% incidence of flies breeding was registered at 21,390 inspected sites, while a 0.73% incidence of cockroach infestation was recorded at 21,279 sites.

CWM's efforts to control public health pests include the preparation of equipment and tools for spraying, as well as stocking stores with necessary quantities of pesticides. Efforts are ongoing to communicate with landscaping and cleaning contractors about the need to mix specific fertilizers in the soil to prevent the proliferation of flies and the importance of washing waste containers.

The Center's measures as part of this campaign include increasing the fish population in farms to eliminate mosquito larvae and spraying all waste containers with pesticides and insect growth regulators. Continuing campaigns in residential areas and public places, as well as in sewerage drainage systems is also expected to cut down the proliferation of cockroach and rodent population.

Engineer Mohammed Al Marzouqi, acting Director of Public Health, Pest Control Department at CWM – Abu Dhabi, said: "This campaign will include all areas of the emirate of Abu Dhabi in line with CWM's strategic vision to provide better services to citizens and residents in the emirate. Through such ongoing initiatives, we hope to create a healthy and sterile environment that is free from disease-causing pests and pathogens. The campaign is part of CWM's efforts to maintain hygiene in the Western Region and throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi."

CWM has urged citizens and residents to use dedicated waste bags for garbage disposal and ensure that the bags are appropriately sealed while discarding them in dumpsters. Residents have also been advised to ensure leftovers are not thrown or left exposed near residential areas. Proper maintenance of water tanks and water supply sources, routine inspections of doors and windows in houses, and installation of screens and mosquito-proofing to prevent the entry of insect-pests are other necessary prevention methods that have been suggested.

The Center of Waste Management-Abu Dhabi focuses on promoting best practices in waste management, such as reusing, recycling and waste segregation at source. Educational and awareness initiatives for Abu Dhabi residents and the general community that are aligned with the best international, regional and local practices are also held on an ongoing basis.