The Ministry of Municipality is boosting its preparations for this year's Eid al-Fitr by promoting its efforts, highlighting its achievements, and introducing its services to the public.The ministry also works to involve various segments of society in its activities, to raise awareness about hygiene efforts, prepare chapels, parks and beaches, as well as its health monitoring efforts, increasing interaction through social media, promoting events and activities, documenting these events and enhancing communication between the ministry and the public.Director of the Ministry of Municipality’s Public Parks Department, Engineer Mohamed Ali al-Khouri has called on member of the public to visit public parks and beaches spread all over the country and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere that the country is experiencing these days.He also encouraged the public to take part in the various events organised by the municipalities in co-operation with its partners.The official also highlighted his department's readiness for all occasions throughout the year and the regular maintenance for all its facilities.One of the these – the Panda House, opposite Al Khor Park – was added to the list of parks and destinations for the public during the Eid.Al-Khouri noted that thousands of seedlings and flowers were planted in the streets, squares and gardens in preparation for this occasion.He added that sports equipment and children's games in the gardens have been serviced and maintained, ready to receive the public during the Eid holidays.Al-Khouri stressed that the ministry pays great attention to the establishment and development of public parks, adhering to the latest international standards, to be a healthy, recreational and sports outlet for families in various regions and in all municipalities.The number of public parks in the country saw a 164% increase, surging to 143 parks from 56 in 2010, with the Urban Green Space (UGS) value rising from 1sq m per capita in 2010 to 16.2sq m in 2023, he added.A total of 1.2mn trees have been planted nationwide so far within the One Million Trees initiative.The official added that public parks achieve the country's environmental sustainability strategy, give citizens and residents a space to attain a modern and calm lifestyle, have a therapeutic effect, and contribute to the aesthetic appearance of residential areas.Al Khor Family Park opens during Eid al-Fitr from 8am-11pm, while the Panda Park opens from 9am-5pm. Tickets can be booked via the Oun app.The municipalities, in co-operation with partners, will organise Eid events for families in parks, clubs and shopping malls that include games, distribution of gifts, and cultural and entertainment competitions, al-Khouri said.He added that the ministry will also organise awareness sessions for members of the public and workshops for children on agriculture and recycling.The Ministry of Municipality’s General Cleanliness Department is responsible for preparing the plans, programmes and timings necessary for cleaning work, in co-ordination with the concerned municipalities.A total of 165 Eid prayer grounds across Qatar have been cleaned and sterilised, and all streets and roads leading to Eid prayer grounds and mosques across the country as well as sidewalks of Doha shopping malls have been washed.All gathering areas have been provided with containers designated for paper, metal and plastic, to promote the concept of sorting garbage from the source.Over the three-day Eid al-Fitr, medical teams will work over two shifts to supervise slaughterhouses, monitor fish markets, butcher shops, poultry shops and follow up on the fresh meat offered in shops. – QNA
April 20, 2023 | 11:55 PM