| Cleaning
up Baghdad
Narrated Abu Huraira, the Prophet
Mohammed (saw) said: “To remove
a harmful thing from the road is also sadaqa (charity).”
Sahih Bukhari 4.232
Islamic Relief staff in Iraq have been busy distributing
aid and medicine - and also cleaning up the streets
of Baghdad. This unusual project began on Sunday 25th
May and will continue for two weeks. |
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Rubble
and Garbage
For
two months Baghdad has had no public services and
the streets have become choked with rotting garbage.
Rubble from destroyed buildings, decomposing household
waste and general debris has gathered in great mounds
in public places.
Health Hazard
Cars can barely pass through some roads blocked by
rubbish, causing traffic jams and even accidents.
In the heat of summer average temperatures rise to
50C, and the rotting waste becomes a health hazard,
attracting flies and disease-carrying insects. Children
playing in the streets are particularly at risk.
Islamic Relief gets
to Work
As
IR is already working in the Public and Environmental
Health sector the clean-up was an appropriate project
to take on. Central Baghdad was chosen as the area
in most need, due to the traffic and amount of rubble
in the streets.
Local Labour
Under a ‘Cash for Work’ scheme, IR recruited
thirty-four local workers. Unemployment is a huge
problem in Iraq and this project provided much-needed
cash for the workers. They also received free food
and water.
A
Clean Sweep
The
clean-up began in Liberation Square which was
|
 Video: Cleaning up Baghdad
almost blocked by rubble and debrisfrom exploded bombs.
The bulldozer and four trucks soon shifted the bulk
of the refuse, leaving the workers to sweep up afterwards.
As
a result of the clean-up bottle-necks in Central Baghdad
were opened up, allowing the smooth flow of traffic
once more and reducing the risk of accidents. The
public health hazard was also reduced.
Tea for All
An
additional effect of the clean-up was the boost to
public morale. Shopkeepers and members of the public
got involved in the clean-up, lending a hand or providing
glasses of water and tea.
“This
is the best thing that you could have done!”
exclaimed one delighted local. “May Allah bless
you and your charity.”
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