A SPECIAL committee could soon be set up to address the issue of abandoned homes, described as a “social and environmental menace”.
Around 500 homes across Bahrain have been listed, with a majority of them (161) located in the Northern Governorate.
A proposal to form the committee, aimed at bridging the communication gap between relevant authorities, has been presented by Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi.
It follows numerous complaints from the public that the abandoned properties create an unsafe environment in residential neighbourhoods with rodent infestations, environmental hazards, immoral activities and even crimes.
“Families living in neighbouring properties are concerned for the well-being and safety of their children,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
“There are fears that the children could be lured by criminal elements with sweets and candies.”
He said people who are misusing the abandoned homes are confident that residents will not dare enter the premises due to their dilapidated condition, or fear that they could be attacked, robbed and killed.
“Even expatriate runaways have found shelter and refuge in those homes and a place to store their stash from theft or bootlegging.”
The GDN previously reported that Mahesh Cheriyon, a 31-year-old Indian, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in an unoccupied apartment in East Riffa last month.
Mr Al Tamimi said the council has suggested that the Housing Ministry purchase the abandoned homes through a court order.
“A proposal for a nationwide committee has been submitted to the Cabinet and we hope that together with the relevant authorities we will be able to come up with a list, tackle such problems and prevent them from becoming an issue in future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the committee should focus on abandoned homes and not mix things up with labour accommodations and shanty towns.
“We should leave registered labour accommodations and shanty towns to the relevant authorities to deal with as a separate issue,” he said.
“Abandoned homes are a safety, environmental and infrastructure hazard and we understand that they can’t be razed without a court order, but until then they need to be kept under a careful watch.
“The situation is alarming and there is public fear as the homes are full of rats and insects, are being misused, may cause a fire, and could see water and sewage over-flooding should services there become operational.”
He added that despite most homes being sealed many have managed to create their own openings and later on seal them whenever they are in or out to ensure suspicions are not raised.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji said the abandoned homes pose a safety threat to residents in the area.
“They can be used to store weapons or for taking drugs, rape and even murder.
“All these activities in these abandoned properties take place after midnight – which is both a nightmare and nuisance to the residents in the neighbourhood.
“Real action is essential to ensure the peace of mind of citizens and their safety in their own neighbourhoods especially since this issue threatens our national security or are used for high-profile crimes,” said Mr Al Kooheji.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati was unavailable for comment yesterday.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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