Rustaq – Rustaq Governor’s Office, in cooperation with Rustaq Municipality, has launched a community initiative titled ‘Rustaq… We Want It Different’, aimed at addressing the impact of recent inclement weather and enhancing the visual appearance of villages across the wilayat.

The initiative introduces a competitive community development platform that empowers youth and strengthens their role in public service. Local sports teams have been mobilised as a driving force behind the effort, reflecting a proactive model of community participation in development and environmental improvement.

Running from April 16 to 25, the ten-day initiative targets villages throughout Rustaq, with work taking place simultaneously across several locations to ensure swift implementation and visible results on the ground. The effort supports government initiatives while reinforcing partnerships between official bodies and the local community.

The programme focuses on mitigating the impacts of recent weather conditions, improving public cleanliness and promoting a culture of volunteerism and teamwork. It also seeks to support government agencies in implementing field-based improvement projects.

Activities under the initiative include removing debris from wadis, clearing irrigation channels, cleaning waste from roads and village entrances, addressing visual pollution, organising public spaces and beautifying entrances to villages. Simple tree-planting activities are also being implemented to enhance the overall landscape and environmental appeal.

The initiative operates through a coordinated partnership model. The Office of the Wali of Rustaq supervises and coordinates the work, while Rustaq Municipality provides technical and field support. Rustaq Sports Club acts as the link with community teams, which form the backbone of the initiative’s on-ground implementation.

Work is carried out through a structured mechanism beginning with the identification and prioritisation of tasks, followed by field implementation, periodic monitoring and supervision to ensure quality performance. Achievements will be documented through reports and photographs highlighting the transformation of sites before and after the work.

To ensure high-quality outcomes, clear evaluation criteria have been adopted. These include the quality of implementation, efficiency in the use of resources, the level of community participation and the degree of improvement in targeted areas. Performance indicators will also measure the number of sites addressed, the extent of public engagement and the level of satisfaction among residents with the results.