HE the Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie has said that the ministry has continued its comprehensive approach and the urban plan to upgrade the services and the quality of living in Qatar, referring to the solid infrastructure projects, gardens, beaches, markets, fishing ports, quarries and other public facilities, which were established, equipped and managed in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. And the facilities represent a legacy to the country and support the well-being of citizens, residents and visitors.
During the honouring ceremony organised by the ministry for the staff of its various departments, sectors, task forces and emergency teams participating in the events of the FIFA Qatar 2022 World Cup, HE the Minister expressed gratitude to all teams, who worked round-the-clock, provided all municipal services, awareness, guidance, hygiene and control, hosted fans and prepared well for the success of the tournament.
At the ceremony held in Al-Rayyan Green Carpet Park, HE the Minister of Municipality noted that the ministry has honoured the staff members to convey a message that their great achievements had contributed to the extraordinary and excellent tournament as recognized by all, and that they were the unknown soldiers in the event, adding that the ministry appreciated their efforts. He expressed his pride in Qatar's successful hosting and organisation of FIFA Qatar 2022, which is considered by many people as the best tournament in the history of the World Cup, attributing this success to the directives of the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani that were translated into action, tasks and preparations on the ground, as recognized by all. All that contributed to this honourable success and promoted Qatar and its achievements in all areas and activities.
He commended the efforts of all staff members of the ministry for their presence in the field working days and nights, for their initiatives and preparations of the parks and beaches, for the provision of services at the reception centers and health control, and for the level of cooperation with the various agencies, stressing that these efforts involved all former and current officials, and that the work of the Ministry lasted for 12 years. It is an outcome of 12 years of planning, implementation, follow-up, management and operation.
HE al-Subaie added that the municipality is one of the largest service ministries in the country, carrying out important tasks that can go unnoticed by many. He stressed, however, that its importance remains present, especially during major events, explaining that the Department of Waste Recycling and Treatment Waste contributed to the tournament by realising a great achievement in the field of waste sorting and recycling and reaching a sorting rate of 72% of recyclable materials generated from stadium waste, and all activities associated with the World Cup.
He praised the efforts of the General Cleanliness Department and all municipalities, through pre-prepared strategic plans, preparation for its effective role in the championship, field operations, the provision of specialised equipment, vehicles and containers of different types and sizes, as well as the provision of waste collection services (general-recycling), in addition to the eight World Cup stadiums, where nearly 80,000 tonnes of waste were removed during the World Cup.
HE the Minister of Municipality commended the efforts of the teams that worked on developing operational procedures for all organisational units concerned with the ministry's tasks in the World Cup activities, including projects to rehabilitate and develop beaches, supervise the maintenance of many real estate, adding cosmetic touches to many building facades by signing more than 30 contracts and work orders, opening and operating beaches and gardens after developing, rehabilitating and operating them, and installing temporary bathrooms in various regions of the country.
HE al-Subaie touched on the fact that all Qatari cities obtained the title of Healthy City from the World Health Organization (WHO), as Qatar is the first in the Eastern Mediterranean region, to have all its cities obtain this title, and for its great efforts in applying the foundations and standards of environmental, health and urban sustainability, which is one of the most important indicators of healthy cities.
He pointed to the achievements of the Public Parks Department in establishing the Doha Expo 2023 pavilion in the fans' area in Al Bidda Park under the slogan "Green Desert, Better Environment", the opening of the Panda House Park and a number of new gardens, the establishment of works to decorate the main streets, gardens and squares with flowers and green spaces, and the installation of some cosmetic models.
HE the Minister added that recent years have witnessed a huge leap in the number of public parks, as their number increased to (148) parks in 2022, after it was only (56) parks in 2010, with an increase of (164%), and green spaces also increased in the country to more than 43mn square meters in 2022, after it was about 2.5mn sqm in 2010, which reflected in the per capita share of the green area that rose to (16) sqm, after it was less than 1sqm in 2010, with an increase of (16) times.
During the last period, one million trees were planted within the initiative to plant one million trees, which was launched in 2019. HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie stated that all the agencies affiliated with the ministry, including sectors, municipalities, departments and centers, with the participation of its officials, employees, and workers, contributed with distinguished efforts, which reflects the great sense of responsibility, and the sincere desire to be part of this success.
