Street cleaning activities
After winter, dust and sand cover the streets and sidewalks of the capital. A light breeze, a passing tram, or a car drives up the fine particles, and the urban air fills with grit. Activist Jan Mencwel from Miasto Jest Nasz notes that the city appears to have neglected street cleaning, letting winter residue linger in the open streets.
The issue of street pollution in Warsaw is serious. While smog often dominates conversations, especially in spring, the main culprits are dust kicked into the air and various pollutants. During this period, regular cleaning is crucial, with suggested use of water canisters to dampen and settle dust. In the capital, however, street washing and sweeping on a wide scale seems inconsistent, raising concerns about maintenance and air quality.
says Mencwel.
The city’s cleaning plan
The city hall of the capital outlines ongoing street cleaning efforts. With favorable temperatures returning, the City Cleanup Authority plans a thorough post-winter cleaning campaign. Routine cleaning was paused for several months to allow water to be used safely in the process. Cleaning in freezing conditions could create dangerous black ice on road surfaces.
The city asserts that streets used by buses, and a vast network of roads totaling around 1,600 kilometers, are equipped with sweepers and washing machines. These machines work to remove lying sand and other impurities. The cleaning is performed on a wet basis to reduce airborne dust and improve local air quality. After sweeping, washing equipment follows to thoroughly cleanse the road surface.
According to the town hall, the street cleaning is expected to continue until Easter, after which roads will need ongoing attention to maintain cleanliness through the autumn season.
The City Cleanup Authority reports that spring cleaning has already covered bicycle lanes along national, regional, and local roads, as well as pedestrian areas spanning millions of square meters. This coordinated effort aims to reduce dust and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
tkwl/PAP