Residents of Mahmoudiya in Aswan have voiced strong complaints about the noticeable deterioration in basic services and the spread of garbage piles along the streets, which has allowed tethered animals to invade residential areas. This situation has led to unpleasant odors and created an unhealthy environment that threatens the wellbeing of both children and the elderly. Locals say that scenes of accumulated trash and wandering animals have become part of their daily lives, especially after official sanitation efforts disappeared for extended periods and maintenance work on many streets and sidewalks came to a halt, causing road degradation and the buildup of dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
A former field official noted that poor coordination between the city council’s sanitation department and cleaning staff has resulted in delayed garbage collection schedules. Others complain of a lack of resources, such as loading equipment and waste transport trucks. Residents warn that the summer heat will accelerate the decomposition of waste and the spread of flies and rodents, raising the risk of diarrhea, skin diseases, and respiratory illnesses, especially among vulnerable groups.
In response, residents have called on Aswan Governor Major General Ashraf Attia to intervene immediately and launch an intensive cleanup campaign. They urge the removal of random animal tethering points and the redirection of livestock owners to designated official facilities equipped to handle animals and their caretakers—away from residential neighborhoods. They also highlight the need to address stagnant water puddles, which have become breeding grounds for insects. Locals believe that implementing these actions within 72 hours could help restore the proper appearance of neglected neighborhoods.
At the same time, residents are calling for direct communication channels between citizens and local authorities via mobile applications or local council offices to ensure ongoing monitoring of sanitation and maintenance efforts and the timely reception of complaints and suggestions. Some propose forming a community committee to represent residents in regular meetings with the city council, which would help ensure the government follows a set schedule for minor projects such as sidewalk repairs, lighting installations, and the distribution of garbage bins.
Citizens fear the decline will continue unless local authorities adopt a comprehensive plan that goes beyond temporary campaigns. They urge the establishment of a permanent waste management system that includes an annual budget allocation for the sanitation sector, training for staff on modern waste collection and sorting methods, and investment in environmental solutions such as smart bins that monitor fill levels and automatically direct collection trucks. Residents believe that true partnership between the community and government agencies is the only path to restoring Mahmoudiya’s dignity and protecting the health of its children.
