VANDALISM THREATENS PUBLIC SPACES

QUOTE: 'Respect for public property must be instilled from an early age, both at home and at school. A child who understands that public funds belong to everyone will grow up valuing and protecting them, rather than causing damage'
Sulaiman al Maamari,
A social specialist
In recent times, residential neighbourhoods, public parks, and recreational areas across Oman have witnessed a worrying rise in vandalism.
These acts range from random graffiti on walls and damage to service facilities to broken playground equipment, tampered plants, and damaged benches — scenes that raise questions about the causes and consequences of such behaviour on society and public funds.
Public property is a fundamental pillar of urban life, serving as shared spaces for all members of society.
Parks and recreational areas not only provide a healthy and attractive environment but also strengthen social cohesion and offer psychological comfort to residents. However, attacks on these facilities turn communal spaces into burdens requiring constant maintenance, consuming funds that could otherwise be used to develop new services or improve existing infrastructure.
Mohammed al Maqbali, a local citizen, said these practices reflect a lack of community awareness. “When walls are defaced or park facilities damaged, the harm does not fall on a specific entity, but on society as a whole, because these properties were created to serve everyone. Repairing them is done with public money,” he explained.
Parks and recreational areas are among the most affected facilities, with repeated incidents of broken children’s play equipment, damaged green spaces, and tampered benches and lighting poles.
Fatima al Saidi highlighted the social impact, saying, “Public parks are not just green spaces; they are gathering places for families and a breathing space for children and the elderly. Vandalising them deprives society of one of its most important sources of psychological comfort and reflects a negative image of the level of awareness and responsibility.”
While some youth justify graffiti as artistic expression, others see it as visual pollution harming urban landscapes.
University student Zahra al Zadjali noted, “Art is a message and beauty, not an assault on others’ property. If there were designated spaces for creativity, young people could express themselves without harming society.”
Experts stress that the roots of the problem partly lie in weak upbringing regarding citizenship.
Sulaiman al Maamari, a social specialist at a government school, said, “Respect for public property must be instilled from an early age, whether within the family or at school. A child who learns that public funds belong to everyone will grow up more keen to protect them and not violate them.” He added that school curricula and activities play a pivotal role in reinforcing this concept by linking individual behaviour to its collective impact.
Ahmed al Buraiki emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, involving government entities, educational institutions, media, families and civil society. Awareness campaigns, enforcement of deterrent laws, and positive alternatives such as dedicated spaces for arts, sports, and cultural activities can help reduce vandalism. He also noted the media’s role in promoting a culture of respect for public property as a vital component of national identity and social responsibility.
Through collective awareness and active community engagement, Oman can protect its public spaces, ensuring they remain safe, welcoming and beneficial for all.