WHEN annual rains arrive we thank God for his blessings but when we see the misery caused to many we begin to see these blessings as a curse.
This is because of the lack of infrastructure and a proper rainwater drainage system in many areas.
Several weeks ago, the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry came up with its normal prepared statement that they were well-prepared to tackle water-logging and flooding. But all plans were thrown out of the window when the rains arrived.
It’s sad we have to live with this situation, and I wonder why these hollow statements that are far from the truth?
Many of Bahrain’s new areas faced an even more deplorable situation. The ministry collected BD12 per square metre as ‘infrastructure fees’ but there is no evidence of even the very basic services such as a sewage network, lighting and street paving.
This is unacceptable. We all agree this is a very high fee and there have been discussions on it but it seems the government is not ready to reconsider it. This has now adversely affected construction activity as well as engineers, contractors and importers. Several local and Gulf investors have shelved plans of setting up residential projects as a result.
I see social media is full of posts from citizens and residents seeking help from the concerned authorities to quickly pump out water in their areas. There are some very graphic pictures that accompany these posts and this is heart-wrenching. I am sure Bahrain’s wise leadership will be greatly disturbed with this.
We need to take a serious stand on this issue more so because this is repeated every year. I would also like to know who, and how, will those affected be compensated.
Hopefully, there will be a proper solution and no ‘patchwork’. Bahrain deserves to be better than this and to be an example to follow.
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