Muscat Municipality reviews Muttrah facelift plan

Muscat: Muscat Municipality Council yesterday reviewed the consultancy services to design the infrastructure of the rehabilitation project of Muttrah, which is intended to improve the living conditions of the residents of the area and to retain its historical and cultural identity.
For the implementation of the project, a field survey will be carried out taking into account urban planning, the demographics of the area and neighbouring projects, a press release from the Muscat Municipality said.
Muttrah Souq
Regarding the situation in the souq (market) and the problems shop owners face, the Council recommended that respective authorities present their proposals to further develop the souq by promoting traditional craft industries, assigning a specialised institution to study the situation in the Muttrah Souq and to find ways to encourage shop owners to employ Omanis and to open outlets of the Public Authority for Craft Industries (PACI).
Community participation
The council also proposed that the Public Authority for Partnership and Development (Sharakah) present a strategy on how to take advantage of the participation of society in governmental services and projects. Furthermore, it proposed assigning committees in the region of the Governorate of Muscat to come up with an appropriate way to invite the private sector to participate in some of the services in these regions, such as establishing small parks in residential areas, constructing public toilets or the paving of roads, particularly if they are located in the geographic area of these organisations.
The municipal council also reviewed the proposal of the Shura Council members, who are representing the Governorate of Muscat to open offices to ease communication with citizens in residential areas. The council has approved a number of activities that it will carry out in these residential areas. It has also called upon the private sector to cooperate and establish small parks in these areas.
Cleanliness campaign
A media campaign to protect cleanliness in both tourist and public areas was proposed by the municipal council, including how to clarify rules and fines for littering.
The campaign will target social media and education to spread the message of the importance of the issue among the different layers of society.