MUSCAT, APRil 23 - Vandals and litterbugs who cause harm to the image of the city and outskirts, damage the natural appearance of the touristic spots, and tamper historic monuments will be strictly dealt with, according to a Muscat Municipality source.
“We are keen to maintain public facilities, parks and other leisure points, but our efforts are wasted by vandals by reckless usage and intentional damages being made to these properties meant to be used by the public,” said Asmahan Mohammed al Shakilya, Social Researcher at the Media and Awareness Department at the Muscat Municipality.
There have been many cases of vandalism where public utility objects were found to be damaged or destroyed, including vandalising cars, suggests data released by the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
The ROP had also arrested culprits for stealing telephone cables and pieces of iron from houses under construction.
In some public places, chairs, umbrellas, lighting, games, toilet doors, faucets and others in the common leisure areas are found to have been damaged which cost a huge amount for the government to rectify them.
Also, many visitors were found to be throwing trash in public places and barbequing and grilling at beaches and other tourist spots burning the greenery.
Some are fond of graffiti on public walls while others find joy in breaking interlock, street lights, etc.
“These acts are contrary to the local orders stipulated in the Muscat Municipality Law issued by the Royal Decree No 32/97 and these perpetrators will be dealt with,” Al Shakilya added.
KABEER YOUSUF
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