A BAN on opening new shops offering gas cylinder services in residential and commercial areas could be introduced, if councillors have their way.
The move was approved unanimously by the Southern Municipal Council during its meeting yesterday with members stressing such shops should only be allowed in heavy services and industrial areas.
Council members also demanded strict new rules for gas cylinder installations and locations in buildings and shops.
The Oil Ministry told the council in writing that it backed the proposal and was working to have it implemented, but in a more flexible and effective manner.
“There are various solutions that we have evaluated and councillors should bear in mind that we need to ensure the availability of services closer to people and at the same time ensure their safety,” it said.
“We are not against the proposal, but the system needs to be more flexible and effective.
“Regarding strict rules for gas cylinder installations and locations in buildings and shops, we already inform the Interior Ministry’s Civil Defence about violators who are endangering people’s lives, following field visits by our inspectors.”
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf, who will now review the proposal, said allocating special areas for gas cylinders on properties is amongst new building requirements which will be implemented.
Council services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said such shops shouldn’t have been allowed in residential and commercial places in the first place.
“These shops provide gas refilling and fixing services and any leak or mistake could end in catastrophe.”
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk said the proposal was not rational.
“Have there been any massive explosion since gas cylinders started being used in Bahrain?
“There are no statistics to show gas shops can be hazardous.
“There are more gas explosions in restaurants than gas shops so banning such outlets from commercial and residential areas doesn’t serve anyone.
“Growing urbanisation calls for such services to be provided to the public; the issue is not about the dangers of filling up a cylinder, it is more about ensuring that installations and locations are up to proper standards wherever the shops are located.”
The GDN reported in June this year that people were urged to implement safety measures to protect themselves against potential fire hazards and accidents.
Civil Defence Directorate’s Public Relations officer First Lieutenant Mohammed Al Rayes pointed out that kitchens were the most common fire-prone areas.
He added that gas cylinders must be placed in a well-ventilated compartment and all safety measures must be implemented while using a stove.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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