RAINWATER flooding homes in Hamad Town Block 1214 has prompted calls for pre-emptive action from municipal officials to prevent future damages.
Recent rains across Bahrain have caused various water-logged points in all four governorates with raising sand and dusty winds clogging drainage points.
Area resident Ahmed Al Hajeri told the GDN that the recent rising sand and rains had blocked a narrow drainage pipe in the block, leading to flooding in his house.
“The sloping design of the neighbourhood’s road has led to all the rain flooding into this single point which is very narrow,” he said.
“The drainage pipe gets clogged because of its narrow design and the wet sand creates a thick substance which blocks the water from going through.
“This has led to water flooding into my house and we need a proactive solution and not wait for flooding to happen before taking action.
“The water floods into our living rooms and ground floor which means we suffer financial losses as well.”
Mr Al Hajeri told the GDN that he cleared the pipe himself but official action was needed to prevent future problems such as the destruction of property.
The GDN previously reported that more than BD500,000 has been paid to rain-hit citizens in Al Louzi area to repair 91 homes.
Each affected family had BD3,000 to BD8,000 deposited in their bank accounts depending on documented damages.
The Finance and National Economy Ministry deposited the amounts based on lists submitted by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
Northern Municipality officials on the scene told the GDN that the location will be cleaned while officials from the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry will revisit the scene to evaluate potential solutions.
Mr Al Dhaen
Area councillor Mohammed Al Dhaen, who represents Northern Governorate Constituency 10 (Hamad Town – Eastern Part from roundabout seven to 21), told the GDN that he received multiple complaints due to sloping road designs leading to flooded homes.
“Pre-emptive action is necessary as we have already been made aware of points of water-logging due to the recent downpour,” he said.
“We shouldn’t wait for homes to flood before fixing simple problems such as expanding drain pipes and adjusting road slopes.”
Meanwhile, Mr Al Dhaen also added that more than 10 locations across constituency 10 have been selected by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry to construct parking spaces.
He urged citizens to co-operate with the authorities to facilitate the procedure for the public’s benefit.
“We were facing some problems with people cordoning off segments of public land and creating their own parking spaces which is unfair as this should be done officially,” he said.
“Others are surrounding the spaces with plants and trees which prevents people from using the space which shouldn’t be done because these lands belong to the government.
“These are small corners which means they can’t be used for public services or gardens but they can be better utilised as parking spaces for area residents.”
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