LONG-TERM solutions have been demanded to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic waterlogging caused by heavy rain over the weekend.
Senior MPs and municipal councillors said a comprehensive national strategy was needed to co-ordinate efforts between ministries and concerned government entities in the event of a calamity.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry revealed yesterday that its operation room dealt with 610 calls for problems faced during heavy rain from December 31 to January 2.
Traffic police dealt with 234 accidents out of which 197 were minor, while the Civil Defence dealt with 84 fallen trees and lampposts besides attending to cases of electricity short circuits, and the National Ambulance responded to 490 health emergency calls.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also ordered that all damages from the rain be listed and compensation to all of those affected.
He also demanded the development of sustainable drainage solutions in areas where rainwater accumulated, in addition to continuing to modernise and develop rainwater drainage infrastructure.
It followed a meeting with Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal, Al Lawzi MP Mahmood Al Bahrani and area councillor Zainab Al Durazi, in the presence of concerned ministers at Gudaibiya Palace.
Parliament public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk said flooding problems keep recurring in the same places year after year.
“The places that get mainly flooded are Al Sayah, Al Lawzi, Isa Town and Tubli.
“The government has been building homes since 1968 but there is no follow-up to ensure proper infrastructure facilities are available or those existing working efficiently.
“Roads, sewage or lighting require constant attention, maintenance and monitoring.”
Mr Bu Onk added that Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf would be summoned to Parliament to provide a plan of action to ensure rainwater issues are tackled.
“Mr Khalaf has been in charge of roads, sewage and municipal affairs for the past 40 years and if there are problems with those services then it becomes his fault.
“We don’t want talk; we want a plan of action. Just in November last year, the minister opened the new road network in Al Lawzi. It is clear that things were rushed or else flooding wouldn’t have occurred there.”
Northern Municipal Council chairman Ahmed Al Kooheji said proper studies were necessary on how to tackle flooding during heavy rains.
“There are long-term solutions that involve the introduction of high-tech technologies to ensure there are no water clusters and rainwater is drained fast.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah called a proper assessment of the drainage problem and a plan to fix it.
“Rain may be infrequent in Bahrain but that doesn’t mean that when it pours the damage is not extensive, such as residential areas in Isa Town and Tubli.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said the government should deploy more vehicles and equipment to deal with the issue.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati demanded out-of-the-box ideas to address the issue.
“Rain is a blessing but when infrastructure can’t cope and people’s belongings are destroyed then the issue certainly becomes annoying.
“We want a strategic plan that takes into account the country’s financial situation and at the same time deals with light or heavy rain easily and without complications.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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