Oman environment: Municipal Council move to get rid of Mesquite trees

Muscat: Municipal authorities are considering ways and means to tackle the Mesquite tree nuisance amid calls for better monitoring of nurseries selling plants in Oman.
The Health, Social and Environmental Committee at the Municipal Council held a meeting on Monday to discuss the problem and stressed on the importance of removing these trees from highly populated locations.
Mesquite, also known as Invader Tree, is a type of giant weed which emits highly noxious chemicals into the ground, which prevents other plants from growing in the vicinity. Salem Al Ghammari, a member of the Municipal Council, said that residents complain about these trees and pointed out that they also serve as habitable zones for insects and reptiles.
“Residents in close proximity of the trees complain about the amount of insects and snakes in their area as it poses health risks and harm,” said Al Ghammari.
“The trees also prevent other plants from growing nearby which also causes an environmental issue. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is stepping up efforts to remove the trees at the moment,” he added.
He said that Dhofar, Al Batinah and Quriyat are among the places most infested with the trees and said that they should be removed as soon as possible due to the high human population.
Farmers are also facing trouble as well as shepherds and livestock owners, said Al Ghammari.
“The farmers aren’t able to plant anything they want.
“The earth won’t even be suitable for them to grow anything for seven years after the trees’ removal,” said Al Ghammari.
He also advised national and residents to buy plants that can adapt and handle the Omani climate. He warned against planting Kuwaiti trees, which is not permitted in the Sultanate, due to its notorious qualities.
The roots of the trees grow to find and follow any source of water – they are known to appear in toilet seats as well.
Al Ghammari called for the monitoring of nurseries to ensure the plants sold are safe. He said that some plants pose a risk to the people, environment and animals as well.