A CALL has gone out to consider declaring an undeveloped island off the Muharraq coast a natural heritage site.
The Muharraq Municipal Council voted yesterday to have the government look into possibly registering Halab Island, near Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park in Hidd, as a protected site.
The 150,000sqm island that disappears during high tide is three kilometres from central Hidd and home to numerous migratory birds and fish species.
In 2014, the council thwarted a parliamentary plan to build a road to the island, arguing that it would destroy the place’s natural appeal.
The council, instead, submitted an urgent proposal to parliament suggesting a new ferry service to the island, which has since been launched from a wooden jetty in the park.
“Protecting islands of such a nature should be a government priority; it is unique and has the potential to attract tourists to the country,” said area councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi.
“The place needs to remain a natural island, like Jarradah, untouched by urbanisation or modernisation, and to which tourists can come by boat for a picnic and just to chill out.
“We are not against having wooden chalets, huts or shacks, but the idea of the island getting incorporated in any mainland project will continue to face opposition.
“There are concerns that the island could get destroyed in future by any of the upcoming developmental projects beyond 2030 with a population surge, limited space or any another issue that may crop up in the future.”
Council technical committee chairman Abdulaziz Al Ka’abi, whose constituency covers the park, said the island had heavy traffic via ferries or jet-skies before the outbreak of Covid-19.
“Since the park reopened a few days ago, traffic to the island has returned to normal, which shows that the site is popular amongst locals and visitors.
“The problem is that the island doesn’t offer any activity other than people sitting and eating or playing football – and we want to change that with more facilities on site.”
The GDN reported in 2014 that studies were being carried out to find ways to stabilise the island.
European experts were called in for an assessment as part of plans to turn it into a tourist destination.
Current Bahrain Ambassador to Oman and former Municipalities and Urban Planning Minister Dr Juma Al Ka’abi told the GDN at the time that it was illogical to build something which will sink during high tide, but he backed makeshift facilities.
In 2017, former Arad councillor Sobah Al Dossary proposed turning the island into a housing town to cover pending applications from Muharraq residents.
The GDN reported earlier this month that plans were underway to turn Al Sayah Island, a protected historic natural site off the coast of Busaiteen, into a tourist destination.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf told the GDN that talks were ongoing between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and municipal officials to draw up the development plans.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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