• 19 Nov, 2025

In Homs’ old neighborhoods, such as Bab al-Sebaa and Jeb al-Jandali, residents face garbage accumulation in narrow streets, affecting public cleanliness and daily life. Sanitation teams rarely visit these areas, especially alleys inaccessible to large trucks.

Fawaz, a Bab al-Sebaa resident, calls for volunteer cleanup campaigns: “If we, the residents, cooperate with the municipality, we can start cleaning the streets ourselves and push for a regular garbage collection schedule.” He suggests coordination through local neighborhood committees to organize weekly cleaning efforts.

Infrastructure is another challenge: damaged roads, potholes, and cracks often block sanitation vehicles. Residents propose repairing narrow streets in collaboration with the municipality to facilitate cleanup operations.

Some suggest establishing small local service centers to collect garbage bins and provide recycling spaces, reducing the need for large trucks to enter every alley. Improved street lighting is also recommended, as it encourages residents to maintain cleanliness and prevents waste accumulation in dark areas.

These community-driven initiatives show a strong local commitment to improving conditions, transforming simple efforts into tangible projects such as street cleaning, infrastructure repair, and active community engagement.

Ultimately, improving cleanliness in Homs’ old neighborhoods requires joint efforts from residents, the municipality, and local organizations. Beyond environmental benefits, these initiatives strengthen neighborhood ties and reinforce a sense of belonging to the city’s historic districts.