RESIDENTS of Al Sayah are pleading for urgent action following a recent spike in respiratory infections from dust drifting into their homes.
More than 100 citizens have submitted a petition to the Muharraq Municipal Council seeking a solution to the menace, which, they claim, is causing serious illnesses including asthma, pneumoconiosis and silicosis.
Al Sayah, close to Busaiteen, is a vastly reclaimed area named after a historic island on the western coast of Muharraq. A surge in construction activity over the last few months has led to mounts of sand and concrete being piled up in different parts. Strong winds whip up the fine particles which eventually find their way into houses in the area.
Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf informed the council in writing that the issue has been referred with urgency to works and municipal affairs.
“Regarding residents complaining about drifting sand in Al Sayah blocks 228 and 229, we have ordered officials to investigate and report on the situation,” said the minister.
Meanwhile, council chairman Ghazi Al Murbati proposed installing tarps to shield homes from dust.
“Some developers reclaiming the sea in Al Sayah have already started installing tarps to ensure that the sand they purchased doesn’t get blown away with the wind,” he said.
“However, installation of tarps is only a temporary solution, the ministry needs to come up with a long term action plan.
“We have received complaints from people who are suffering from respiratory illnesses including asthma, pneumoconiosis and silicosis and the number of infections is on the rise.”
Pneumoconiosis is a general term for lung diseases caused by breathing in certain types of dust. Silicosis is caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust which hangs in the air on building sites. It is associated with chronic wheezing and arthritis.
Mr Al Murbati called on the Health Ministry and the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) to identify the impact of reclamation on public health and the environment.
Mr Al Murbati
“Al Sayah is developing rapidly and we are witnessing demand from investors to open businesses in the area and from residents to set up housing units,” Mr Murbati said.
“There has been vast urbanisation over the past decade, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of health and the environment.
“We are not against development and sometimes things need to be sacrificed for the greater good. “Unfortunately, a proper long-term assessment of the effect of reclamation on public health and the environment is unavailable.
“At the moment, dust is affecting people and we are seeking answers that would translate into solutions.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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