ONE of Bahrain’s major industrial areas could soon receive a facelift and infrastructural upgrade if MPs have their way.
Five legislators, led by Parliament services committee vice-chairman Ammar Al Mukhtar, have submitted a proposal calling for new roads, sewage networks and lighting projects in Ma’ameer Industrial Area.
They have claimed that a revamp was vital as Ma’ameer is home to major industries, factories, workshops and labour accommodations – and yet ‘lacks basic facilities’.
Mr Al Mukhtar
“The area lacks key infrastructure like roads and lighting, making the place spookier than a graveyard,” Mr Al Mukhtar, who is also the area MP, said.
“The bumpy roads are cracked and full of holes, unbearable fumes and gases emanate from manholes, and the place is plunged into darkness with no lights.
“Residents fear to step out at night.
“The area could even become a haven for criminals.
“We have massive labour accommodations and those poor souls are also subject to the harsh environment and health surroundings.”
Three massive projects to expand Ma’ameer channel in a bid inject new life into Tubli Bay and its surroundings were started earlier this year. They aim to improve water circulation in the bay and surrounding areas, clear it of organic waste and ensure a cleaner and greener coastline.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf had said that the multi-million dinar projects were being carried out to reduce pollution and avert mass fish deaths which have been a regular occurrence.
Initial probe by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) stated that the fish died from red tide, which is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms as they deplete oxygen and release toxins into water.
The SCE also found an increase in pollutants like ammonia and faecal bacteria, which it attributed to sewage dumping.
Mr Al Mukhtar and other MPs had earlier called for relocation of factories from the area as ‘it posed a grave threat to people’s health’.
“MPs and municipal councillors have made repeated pleas to rescue Ma’ameer. There were promises for a facelift, but it was never carried out,” Mr Al Mukhtar said.
“Problems have mounted over the years.
“More and more industries are being set up while the issue of pollutants, fumes and fish deaths are being ignored for more than 20 years.
“This could lead to a major environmental and health crisis for residents.”
He said major industries could partner with the government to fast-track infrastructure development.
“If the government doesn’t have the budget, it could rope in the private sector to implement projects on a partnership basis,” he added.
The Cabinet had ordered an environmental assessment of Ma’ameer and the surrounding areas in June last year. The study focused on air quality and emissions by factories and industrial establishments.
The Cabinet also demanded that work be speeded up on widening the Ma’ameer water channel to allow better circulation in Tubli Bay.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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