05 Jan Muscat Municipality deploys private guards to protect beaches and public places
Muscat Municipality has signed an agreement with private security company, Security and Safety Services, to ensure that Oman’s beaches, parks and public places are kept clean, free of vandalism and public nuisance.
The first-of-its-kind agreement will see Security and Safety Services carry out surveillance along beaches and public facilities. Security guards will monitor instances of misbehaviour that could harm the public health or environmental safety.
Initially, the sea-front in Seeb area will be monitored, with other areas to be determined by the Municipality.
Ahmed Mohammed al Humaidi, Muscat Municipality Chairman, said in a statement: “the agreement was the first of its kind to benefit from the security and safety services in the field of beach monitoring and protection of public facilities and has been signed for a year with an option to renew the deal.”
Security guards will be on duty in the morning and evening, and will work double the number of hours on weekends.
Their responsibilities will be to prevent littering and dumping waste at places other than those designated, spitting, tampering with rubbish bins, using vehicles and bikes along beaches, lighting fires or barbecues where prohibited, camping violations and leaving children unattended.
In addition, they will advise people not to visit beaches when it’s unsafe to do so, and will prevent any actions that could damage trees, plant, cause inconveniences to visitors or are inconsistent with public order.
Al Humaidi added: “The agreement reflects the municipality’s aim to create a safe and comfortable environment. We hope to deter irresponsible practices that would harm the public health or service facilities of the municipality. We also hope to raise community awareness with these measures.”